Cocha Antshrike vs Uniform Antshrike

In short

Cocha Antshrike and Uniform Antshrike can be distinguished by their habitat preferences and vocalizations. Cocha Antshrike is found in lowland areas and has a distinctive rapid series of hollow notes, while Uniform Antshrike inhabits montane forests and has a simpler song pattern.

Identification tips

• Habitat: Check the elevation; Cocha Antshrike is in lowlands, Uniform Antshrike in montane forests.
• Vocalization: Listen for the rapid series of notes from Cocha Antshrike versus the simpler song of Uniform Antshrike.
• Plumage: Note the black and chestnut coloration in Cocha Antshrike, compared to the more uniform appearance of Uniform Antshrike.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of the Thamnophilus genus.

Plumage

Cocha Antshrike males are entirely black, while females are chestnut brown with a black hood and breast. Uniform Antshrike has a more uniform plumage pattern, consistent with its name, but specific details are less emphasized in sources.

Behaviour

Cocha Antshrike males are known to sit upright and 'pump' their tails while calling, a behavior typical of Thamnophilus antshrikes.

Habitat

Cocha Antshrike is found in lowland areas, whereas Uniform Antshrike is adapted to cool, wet montane forests of the Andes, between 1000 and 2300 meters.

Voice

Cocha Antshrike's song is a rapid series of 10-15 hollow notes ('oow-oow-oow'), while Uniform Antshrike has a simpler song of 3-5 notes.