Scientific Name: Driophlox fuscicauda

Fairly common in the understory of lowland tropical forest and woodland; also ranges into adjacent secondary growth. Usually in small groups, mainly comprising female-plumaged birds. Associates readily with similar Red-crowned Ant-tanager when attending army ant swarms. These two species are best told by voice: low rasping calls in Red-throated, high squeaky calls in Red-crowned (remember: the throat is lower than the crown). Male Red-throated has a small dark mask between the eye and the bill, and female has a contrasting buff throat.

Often shy and quick-moving, this species forages close to the forest floor, hopping through dense vegetation in search of insects disturbed by passing ant swarms. It relies heavily on sound as much as sight, with its distinctive rasping calls serving as a key identification clue in dim understory conditions. While not as vividly colored as some tropical birds, its subtle markings and behavior reward patient observers. Its presence is a good indicator of a healthy forest ecosystem, especially in areas where army ants regularly move through the leaf litter.