Dot-winged Antwren – Gamboa, PA

This Dot-winged Antwren was working the dense understory along Pipeline Road in Gamboa, Panama, a classic location for the species. Dot-winged Antwrens often join mixed-species flocks and may take advantage of army-ant swarms moving through the forest. Rather than eating the ants, they pick off insects and other small prey disturbed by the advancing columns. They are not as dependent on army ants as the true ant-followers. However, a swarm can certainly improve their lunch prospects. Along Pipeline Road, watching around an active ant swarm can produce an impressive mix of antbirds, and other opportunistic followers.