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Pygmy antwren facts for kids

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Pygmy antwren
Myrmotherula brachyura - Pigmy antwren.JPG
at Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Genus:
Myrmotherula
Species:
brachyura
Myrmotherula brachyura map.svg

The pygmy antwren (scientific name: Myrmotherula brachyura) is a tiny bird found in the rainforests of South America. It belongs to a bird family called Thamnophilidae, which are often known as antbirds. These birds get their name because some of them follow swarms of ants to catch insects that are trying to escape.

Pygmy antwrens live in several countries, including Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. They prefer to live in warm, wet places like lowland forests, swamps, and even areas where forests have been cut down but are growing back.

What is a Pygmy Antwren?

The pygmy antwren is one of the smallest birds in its family. It has a short tail, which is why its scientific name, brachyura, means "short-tailed." These birds are usually hard to spot because they are small and live hidden in the dense forest.

Where Do Pygmy Antwrens Live?

These little birds are found across a large part of South America. They live throughout the Amazon Basin, which is the huge area around the Amazon River. They also live in the Guianan region, which includes French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname. You can also find them in the southeastern part of the Orinoco River Basin in Venezuela.

In Brazil, they are common in the northern parts. They also live in the Amazonian regions of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Their wide range means they are not currently considered an endangered species.

Habitat and Environment

Pygmy antwrens live in specific types of environments. They prefer:

  • Tropical Lowland Forests: These are warm, wet forests that are not very high above sea level. They have lots of trees and plants.
  • Swamps: These are wet areas with standing water and many trees.
  • Degraded Forests: Sometimes, they can even be found in areas where forests were cut down but are now regrowing. This shows they can adapt to some changes in their environment.

See also

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