#gnateater

August 24, 2024 - Black-bellied Gnateater (Conopophaga melanogaster) Found in parts of northern and central Brazil and possibly northern Bolivia, these gnateaters live in tangled vegetation in forests, frequently around streams. They eat arthropods, foraging near the ground, usually alone or in pairs. Their breeding behavior is unknown. Males can flare the white tufts of feathers behind their eyes, though it is not known if this is used for courtship displays.

This family contains just nine eligible species in two genera (Conopophaga and Pittasoma).

October 18, 2023 - Hooded Gnateater (Conopophaga roberti) These gnateaters are found in dense vegetation, often near the edges of forests, in northeastern Brazil. They eat small arthropods and forage near the ground alone or in pairs, though the details of their diet are unknown. While only two of their nests have been described and one was unfinished, pairs probably build open cup-shaped nests near the ground in bushes or saplings from coarse plant materials on platforms of small twigs and leaves.

These gnateaters are found in the forests of Amazonia, in parts of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname. Foraging on or near the ground alone or in pairs, they feed on small arthropods, such as ants and centipedes. Breeding between March and April, they build open cup-shaped nests from fungus fibers, rootlets, dry leaves, and twigs. Both parents have been observed caring for fledglings.

These gnateaters are found along the coast of eastern Brazil in the Atlantic Forest. Foraging near and on the ground, they pick small arthropods from vegetation and leaf litter. Socially monogamous and territorial, they usually nest from October to November or December. Their trilled call is often the best way to locate them.

photograph by

Rufous Gnateater