ABSTRACT
Antbirds are in an insectivorous family that includes many forest understory species and subcanopy species. Most are well suited for living in tropical habitats, including forest interior and second growth, as well as various specialized microhabitats like gaps and vine tangles. All antbirds appear to follow the Complex Basic Strategy. The first preformative molt can be partial to complete and may be related to the amount of time self-sufficient young remain within their parent's territory. Several species, including many obligate ant-following Thamnophilids, exhibit complete preformative molts resulting in an adult-like plumage. Interestingly, Percnostola rufifrons has two inserted molts within the first cycle: a partial auxiliary preformative molt followed by a complete preformative molt. The variation in preformative molt extents across this large family presents an interesting opportunity to explore the role of phylogeny, habitat use, and solar exposure, as patterns have emerged in North American passerines.
