Caatinga antwren

The Caatinga antwren (''Radinopsyche sellowi'') is a species of bird in the family Thamnophilidae. It is the only member of the monotypic genus ''Radinopsyche''. Prior to 2022, it was classified in the genus ''Herpsilochmus'', but was reclassified into ''Radinopsyche'' by the International Ornithological Congress following a 2021 phylogenetic study.

It is endemic to Brazil. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and dry savanna. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Taxonomy

The Caatinga antwren is the only member of the genus ''Radinopsyche''. When originally described, it was placed in the genus ''Herpsilochmus'' as the pileated antwren. In 2000, a study showed that the southeastern population of the pileated antwren varied from the larger population in terms of morphology and vocalizations. A split was proposed between the two, with the Bahia antwren representing the smaller southeastern population, and the Caatinga antwren the rest. Mitochondrial DNA studies in 2021 showed that the Caatinga antwren was more closely related to the white-bearded antshrike (''Biatas nigropectus''), prompting it to be placed in a new monotypic genus.

Description

The Caatinga antwren is a small bird, averaging long, and in weight. Both sexes have a black crown and nape, with a dark eyeband. The wings are dark near the shoulder, with white bands across and black feather tips. The tail is largely black with white tips and white outer feathers. The male is overall a dusky grey with lighter underparts. The female has a grey back with buffy underparts.

Distribution and habitat

The Caatinga antwren is endemic to Brazil. It is found in the north-central and eastern regions of the country. It is found from Maranhão in the east to the Rio Grande do Norte in the west, and from Minas Gerais in the north to Bahia in the south.

As its name suggests, it is found primarily in the Caatinga, a type of semi-arid tropical vegetation found in northeastern Brazil. It is most abundant in semi-deciduous forest between in elevation.

Feeding and diet

Similar to other antbirds, Caatinga antwren's diet consists primarily of arthropods, including grasshoppers, crickets, and moths. Few studies have been done on the particulars of the Caatinga antwren's diet.

References

Thamnophilidae, Caatinga antwren
Birds of the Caatinga
Endemic birds of Brazil
Birds described in 2000, Caatinga antwren
Taxonomy articles created by Polbot

{{Thamnophilidae-stub