Pithys

species of bird

Pithys is a genus of insectivorous passerine binds in the antbird family (Thamnophilidae) found in the lowland forests of South America. The genus includes two species: Pithys albifrons (White-plumed Antbird) and Pithys castanea (White-masked Antbird). These birds are known for their association with army ant swarms, which they follow to catch insects and other small animals that flee the swarm. This specialized feeding behavior, known as obligate ant-following, is rare among birds and defines much of the genus’s ecology.

species of bird