Antthrush

/ˈæntˌθrʌʃ/ noun

Definition

Any of several species of small birds in the genus Chamaeza found in Central and South America that forage near ants, particularly army ants.

Etymology

Compound of 'ant' + 'thrush' (a type of bird). Named for the birds' behavior of following and feeding near columns of army ants, which stir up insects the birds eat.

Kelly Says

Antthrushes have a fascinating survival strategy—they follow swarms of army ants, not to eat the ants themselves, but to snatch up all the insects that flee from the massive ant colony, making the ants do the work of flushing out their prey!

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