Unmistakable bird in the field due to its size and characteristic plumage pattern. The giant antshrike is the largest antbird. The giant antshrike inhabits landscapes that vary geographically, though in all it favors the understorey to mid-storey. In the Atlantic Forest it occurs from humid evergreen forest near sea level up to elfin forest. They feed on a variety of large insects and other arthropods; its diet also includes molluscs, small vertebrates like frogs, lizards, and snakes, and possibly mice, nestling birds, and bird eggs. The giant antshrike is presumed to be a year-round resident throughout its range, though local movements in response to bamboo die-off are likely.
