Rufous-capped Antshrike at REGUA

Rufous-capped Antshrike <em>Thamnophilus ruficapillus</em> (&copy; Scott Watson)
Rufous-capped Antshrike Thamnophilus ruficapillus (© Scott Watson)

Great news for birders visiting REGUA, a male Rufous-capped Antshrike has been found!! On April 22 a single male bird was first heard and then observed by lodge guide Adilei and resident volunteer Scott Watson at the wetland. This great bird responded well to playback where we were able to record its vocalizations as well as take a few photos. This widespread South American species is usually a bird of much higher elevations in montane scrubland further to the south, and in the São Paulo area. There are 5 sub-species distributed from Andean Peru eastward towards Argentina. The bird observed at REGUA is of the nominate sub-species Thamnophilus ruficapillus ruficapillus, and the observation of this bird (for the second time at REGUA) may indicate a range expansion or a yet unknown yearly movement to lower elevations. This bird was observed 3 more times in the following week at the newly planted hill on the South side of the wetlands, mimicking its favoured scrub-like, open habitat.