Costa Rica Species
Thamnophilus bridgesi
AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting

Thamnophilus bridgesi

Black-hooded Antshrike

Sclater, 1856

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A medium-sized antshrike with a black head and chest in males, while females are mostly reddish-brown. Both sexes have a heavy, hooked bill.

Added by

Anonymous Curator

Reviewed by

Under Review

Last modified by

Julia Trouin

TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.

PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Passeriformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Thamnophilidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Thamnophilus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Sclater, 1856
Record Completeness
96%
Coming soon

Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.

OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.

Native

Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.

Stable

Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.

Spring

Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.

Insectivore

Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.

Yes

Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang

Inhabits humid forests, swamps, and mangroves along the Pacific slope of Costa Rica and Panama.

BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang

Active in pairs within the dense undergrowth, usually remaining hidden.

Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang

Generally observed in monogamous pairs.

Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang

Insectivore.

Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang

Feeds primarily on insects and other small arthropods found in the understory.

Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang

Nests are cup-shaped and placed in low bushes or vines. Both parents participate in raising the young.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

16.0 - 18.0 cm

Weight (Grams)

25 g - 35 g

Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 2
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes

Lifespan

Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.

12 Months

Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).

16 - 18

Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males5 - 8 Years
Females5 - 8 Years

Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.

Males Multi-lang

Males are characterized by a black head and chest.

Females Multi-lang

Females are primarily reddish-brown without the extensive black hood.

Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang

Strong, hooked bill is an adaptation for handling diverse prey in dense vegetation.

Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang

Susceptible to habitat fragmentation and loss of mangrove ecosystems.

Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang

They are highly territorial and often duet with their mates to defend their territory.