Streak-backed Antshrike

Uncommon and somewhat local; can be hard to locate but responds well to voice and at good sites gives point-blank views. A sought-after tepui Thamnophilus specialty. Two subspecies: nominate insignis and nigrifrontalis.

Medium antshrike (16-17 cm, 22-30 g); slightly sexually dimorphic. Male: black crown and nape (a few white feathers), black upperparts with a white interscapular patch showing as the diagnostic spots/streaks on the back ('streak-backed'), dark wings with white markings, gray underparts. Female similar but with paler underparts and a dark red-brown rear crown. Heavy hooked antshrike bill.

Understory to mid-story of humid montane evergreen forest, especially stunted forest with dense understory of Melastoma and Clusia; also bamboo thickets and Brocchinia scrub. ~900-2,000 m, commoner above 1,200 m.

Forages low to mid-level, often in pairs, gleaning insects from foliage and tangles; will join or follow mixed-species flocks. Skulks in dense growth but is responsive and can be drawn into the open with patience.

Male song a slowly accelerating, very nasal series 'cunk, cuk cuk-cu-cu-cu-cu-cu cu'cu'curank'; female similar but higher-pitched. Calls include a downslurred raspy growl and a soft squeak/'peep'. Recordings: search 'Thamnophilus insignis' or 'Streak-backed Antshrike' on Xeno-canto and Macaulay Library.

A classic 'work-the-voice' bird: learn the slow, very nasal accelerating song, find dense Melastoma/Clusia or bamboo understory in stunted forest on the upper Escalera, and use measured playback — it skulks but comes in for point-blank views once committed. Set clients up on a clear sight-line before calling, since it tends to approach low and tight.