Klages's Antbird Drymophila klagesi Scientific name definitions

14·5–15·5 cm. Both sexes are very similar to respective adults of all other members of the previously conspecific D. caudata group, but differs from D. caudata sensu stricto in that male has greatly reduced streaking on throat and breast; from D. hellmayri the same character, plus its greyish versus reddish-tinged grey uppertail, and lack of black subterminal tailband; and from D. striaticeps in the reduced streaking on throat and breast, and in having a black patch on mid-crown to hindcrown versus none (both characters only relevant to males).

Sierra de Perijá and elsewhere in highlands of NE Colombia (E slope of E Andes in S Norte de Santander) and N Venezuela.

Understorey and midstorey of bamboo thickets (both native and introduced Asian species) in montane evergreen forest and secondary forest, and sometimes away from bamboo in vine tangles, shrubby forest borders, and overgrown coffee fincas. Although less restricted to bamboo than are most congeners, is more frequently found in it than not. In Venezuela mainly recorded at elevations of 500–1500 m, but reaches above 1800 m on the Colombian side of the Serranía de Perijá.

Diet and foraging behaviour probably very similar to those of D. striaticeps, but very poorly known. Has very infrequently been observed following army ants (Labidus praedator).

Vocally similar to, but distinctive when compared in detail against, other members of the D. caudata group, thus differs from D. caudata sensu stricto in that male loudsong typically comprises two even-pitched, rather than 4–6 rising, introductory notes; from D. hellmayri in its lacking a preceding overslurred note in male loudsong, while short-note calls are of lower frequency and possess a longer interval between notes in D. hellmayri and the long-note of the latter species is uniquely comprised of multiple notes; and from D. striaticeps in that the maximum frequency of the two introductory notes in male loudsong is lower, and (again) there is no preceding overslurred note.

Not globally threatened (Least Concern). Fairly common but locally distributed throughout range. Occurs in several protected areas, e.g. Henri Pittier and Yacambú National Parks, in N Venezuela. The ability of this species to utilize some second-growth habitats may render it less vulnerable than other members of the genus. In Colombia, known from just two localities in the Serranía de Perijá, as well as in the Sierra de Ocaña, Norte de Santander.