Amazonian Antshrike

The Amazonian antshrike (Thamnophilus amazonicus) is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in every mainland South American country except Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay. == Taxonomy and systematics == The Amazonian antshrike was described and illustrated by the English zoologist Philip Sclater in 1858 and given its current binomial name Thamnophilus amazonicus. It has these five subspecies: T. a. cinereiceps Pelzeln, 1868 T. a. divaricatus Mees, 1974 T. a. amazonicus Sclater, PL, 1858 T. a. obscurus Zimmer, JT, 1933 T. a. paraensis Todd, 1927 Subspecies T. a. cinereiceps was originally described as a species and some early twentieth century authors maintained that treatment when others recognized it in its current subspecies status. What is now the northern slaty antshrike subspecies T. punctatus huallagae was for a time included as a subspecies of the Amazonian antshrike. == Description == The Amazonian antshrike is 14 to 15 cm (5.5 to 5.9 in) long and weighs 17 to 21 g (0.60 to 0.74 oz). Members of genus Thamnophilus are largish members of the antbird family; all have stout bills with a hook like those of true shrikes. This species exhibits significant sexual dimorphism.…