Pearly Antshrike

Description:

Last week the birding highlight from the west bank of Rio Negro (across from Manaus) was the much sought-after Pearly Antshrike (Megastictus margaritatus). The only member in this striking monotypic genus! Here is the photo of the female which responded more aggressively than the male to tape-playback (a feature commonly found also in Thamnophilus antshrikes). A low density and rather localized species easily overlooked if not vocal often associated with more sandy-belt forests. It’s piercing white iris making it look even more-cool looking than most. How we love antbirds! Photo by Andrew Whittaker and Jaqueline Fortuna.