Black-bellied gnateater facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Black-bellied gnateater
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Conopophaga
Species:	melanogaster

The black-bellied gnateater (Conopophaga melanogaster) is a special kind of bird. It belongs to the Conopophagidae family. This bird lives only in Brazil.

About the Black-bellied Gnateater

Where it Fits in the Bird Family Tree

Scientists are still learning about the exact "family tree" of the black-bellied gnateater. Different groups of bird experts, like the International Ornithological Committee (IOC), have slightly different ideas. They are still figuring out where it fits best within the gnateater family. This bird is also monotypic. This means it is the only species in its specific group.

What the Black-bellied Gnateater Looks Like

The black-bellied gnateater is a small bird. It is about 13 to 15.8 centimeters (5 to 6 inches) long. It weighs about 37 to 43.5 grams (1.3 to 1.5 ounces).

Male and female gnateaters look a bit different.

• The male has a black head and most of its belly is black. Its lower belly and the area around its tail are dark gray. Its back and upper parts are a rich reddish-brown color. It also has a long, white feathery tuft behind each eye.
• The female has a gray face and most of her belly is gray. Her back, neck, and the top of her head are also reddish-brown, but a bit browner than the male's. She has a white throat. The white tuft behind her eye is much smaller than the male's.

Where the Black-bellied Gnateater Lives

The black-bellied gnateater lives only in Brazil. There was one old record from Bolivia in 1889, but it was likely a different bird. No other black-bellied gnateaters have been seen there.

This bird lives in two main areas in the southern Amazon Basin.

• One group lives south of the Amazon River. This area stretches from the eastern side of the Madeira River to the lower Tapajós River. It also goes south into parts of Rondônia and Mato Grosso states.
• Another group also lives south of the Amazon. This group is found between the Xingu River and the lower Tocantins River.

The black-bellied gnateater likes to live in thick forests. It prefers areas with lots of vines, palms, and bamboo. It often hangs out near small streams.

How the Black-bellied Gnateater Behaves

The black-bellied gnateater mostly eats arthropods. These are small creatures like insects and spiders. Scientists don't know much about its breeding habits yet.

This bird has a unique song. It sounds like a series of short, dry rattles. Its calls are low grunts, barks, or short rattles. You can hear examples of its sounds online.

Conservation Status of the Black-bellied Gnateater

The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has looked at the black-bellied gnateater. They have assessed it as "Least Concern". This means that the bird is not currently in danger of disappearing. Studies show that its forest home is not under immediate threat. This is good news for the black-bellied gnateater.

See also

In Spanish: Jejenero ventrinegro para niños