Barred Antshrike - (Thamnophilus doliatus) - "Pavita Hormiguera" - (3 Pics)

Hello to all here in Feathered Friends!... Today I bring you some photos of a regular visitor to my backyards. It is a lively and cheerful bird, although somewhat elusive and therefore not easy to photograph.

I wish present you our "Barred Antshrike" - (Local spanish common name: "Pavita Hormiguera".)

^{Thamnophilus doliatus - (Barred Antshrike, Pavita Hormiguera) - (Male)
Camera: Nikon D7000 | Lens: AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G}

^{Species full taxonomic data:
Kingdom: Animalia
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Thamnophilidae
Genus: Thamnophilus
Species: T. doliatus (Linnaeus, 1764)
Sighting record: Montalbán, Carabobo, Venezuela Apr. 2022.}

These are birds between 15–16 cm (5.9–6.3 in) in length and and weighs 24–30 g (0.85–1.06 oz). The male (like in this shots) barred all over with black and white, the female is rufous above with a chestnut crest. They are lovely birds, they are insectivorous and eat mainly ants, although I have seen them eating small leafhoppers and membracids.

They flee quickly in the presence of humans and usually hide in dense vegetation, from where they emit a beautiful and melodious trill, to communicate with their mate, who is always nearby.

They usually disappear from my yard in the dry season, but as soon as the rains start, they reappear and begin their courtship and nesting preparations.

I hope you liked this bird. I hope to be able to share more birds soon. I am very happy to have found you here at #Hive. Best regards. ;-)