The 17 to 18 cm long white-bearded antshrike (Biatas nigropectus) is a bamboo specialist endemic to Argentina and as well to Brazil, where it is found only in vast stands of Merostachys bamboo in certain ranges. This species chiefly inhabits bamboo colonies in evergreen forests and mature secondary forests, feeding primarily in and next to bamboo, and typically between about one and 10 m above ground. It can be found at altitudes between 500 and 1,200 m. The IUCN originally assessed the white-bearded antshrike as Threatened in 1988, however, it has been listed as Vulnerable since 1994. It has a restricted and fractured range; its estimated population of 2500 to 10,000 mature individuals is believed to be decreasing. The species is considered rare and has never been common. While white-bearded antshrikes can be found in several protected areas, the die-off characteristic of bamboo, which is this species´ main habitat, makes conservation efforts challenging.
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Bird Photo by Andy Foster
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