Standing amidst an army ant swarm in the Sarapiquí region of caribian Costa Rica is both exhilarating and humbling. The air crackles with tension as predators and prey play out an ancient drama. The thrill is heightened by the cacophony of bird calls and the sharp rustling of ant legs over leaves. Witnessing the symbiosis between army ants and antbirds provides a rare glimpse into the intricate web of life in tropical forests.
This is one of the few occasions, where you can see and – even better – have a reliable chance of photographing an Ocellated Antbird (Phaenostictus mcleannani). The Ocellated Antbird is the jewel of the antbird guild. With its striking blue skin around the eyes, orange chest, and spotted plumage, this species is as visually captivating as it is elusive. At and especially over army ant swarm they can be seen perched quietly and for some time patiently waiting for the perfect moment to dart in for prey. In the shades of the forest interior with exposure times around 1/30 sec. even with ISO 12.800 a rarely faced chance of close-up images.
There’s nothing quite like the electrifying experience of finding yourself amid a swarm of army ants (Eciton burchellii or Eciton hamatum) in Costa Rica’s lush lowland rainforests. The forest hums with life as thousands of ants march in relentless waves, hunting anything in their path. But amidst this organized chaos, another fascinating spectacle unfolds—ant-following birds, known as antbirds, diving in and out of the action. These clever birds exploit the frenzy of the swarm, capitalizing on insects flushed out by the ants.
Ant-following birds have evolved to rely on army ant swarms for food. These birds don’t eat the ants themselves but instead snatch up insects and small vertebrates fleeing the onslaught. This feeding strategy is so specialized that certain bird species, called obligate ant-followers, depend almost entirely on army ants to survive. In Costa Rica’s lowland forests, a rich diversity of antbirds can be observed besides the Ocellated Antbird. One is the Bicolored Antbird (Gymnopithys bicolor). This bird is one of the most common obligate ant-followers in the region. The Bicolored Antbird has a subdued elegance, with its black and white plumage and a pale bluish patch of bare skin around its eyes. These birds quite highly vocal and often announce their presence with sharp, repetitive calls. Another – much smaller – bird is the Spotted Antbird (Hylophylax naevioides). With its bold white-spotted breast and reddish back, the Spotted Antbird is another prominent swarm attendant. Unlike the quieter Ocellated Antbird, Spotted Antbirds are quite active, hopping around the periphery of the swarm and chipping incessantly.
A regular company is the Northern Barred-Woodcreeper (Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae), which while not technically an antbird, woodcreepers like the Northern Barred-Woodcreeper are frequent swarm associates. These long-billed birds cling to tree trunks near the swarm, scanning for any prey that escapes upward.
Army ants, particularly Eciton burchellii, are apex predators in their tiny realm. These eusocial insects travel in sprawling swarms, devouring spiders, crickets, and other small arthropods. A single swarm can contain hundreds of thousands of individuals, all working together like a well-oiled machine. Their raids sweep the forest floor like a living tide, and their presence is unmistakable: an audible rustle, the scurry of retreating prey, and the frenetic activity of opportunistic birds.
Being in the midst of an army ant swarm is an unforgettable experience that immerses you in the raw, untamed beauty of the natural world. The interplay between the relentless ants and the opportunistic antbirds is a vivid reminder of the delicate balance of life in Costa Rica’s rainforests. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious adventurer, witnessing this phenomenon is sure to leave you in awe.
So next time you find yourself trekking through Costa Rica’s lowlands, keep your eyes and ears open—you might just stumble upon this incredible natural spectacle.
In order to meet the growing demand for top images of the rarer species of Palaearctic Bird-lens.com has specifically made trips to remote places. Additionally every chance is used, if a rare bird is around the homeground. This to do everything to ensure excellent photos of the Birds of the Western Palearctic. The yield of pictures also of rare Western Palaearctic birds is very good. There are other nice images of birds, that you will find behind the tab “Picture Shop“. Just give a notice if you need a picture of a bird which is not online.