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Ant Thrushes: Formicariidae

Diet

Antbirds are insectivores, or insect eaters. They eat many different insects and insect-like bugs including crickets, beetles, spiders, centipedes, and lice. Larger antbirds also eat snails, frogs, lizards, small snakes, mice, and young birds. They use their strong bill and "tooth" to kill this larger food. Some species eat fruit and seeds in addition to insects.

SOS FOR DANGER

Most species of ant thrushes have white spots on their back that are hidden under their wings when they are resting or calm. When these birds think that they are in danger, they flash these white spots in a quick off-and-on pattern. Scientists believe this is a kind of Morse code that lets other birds in the area know that something threatening is nearby.

Additional topics

Animal Life ResourceBirdsAnt Thrushes: Formicariidae - Physical Characteristics, Diet, Behavior And Reproduction, Conservation Status, Barred Antshrike (thamnophilus Doliatus): Species Accounts - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, ANT THRUSHES AND PEOPLE