Lower Amazonian Brazil south of R Amazon, from eastern bank of R Madeira east to both banks of lower R Tapajós and south to northern Rondônia, and from eastern bank of R Xingú east to western bank of lower R Tocantins; presence in intervening area not confirmed. Also, single specimen record from north-western Bolivia (north-western Beni), but locality open to question. Published sight record from western side of R Teles Pires (upper R Tapajós), near Alta Floresta, but unequivocal documentation required in order to confirm presence in this region.
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010).
Black-bellied Gnateater (Conopophaga melanogaster) [XC830626]
by JAYRSON ARAUJO DE OLIVEIRA from Trilha da castanheira - FLONA de Caraj\u00e1s, Brazil (call)
Black-bellied Gnateater (Conopophaga melanogaster) [XC830627]
by Guilherme Willrich from Trilha da castanheira - FLONA de Caraj\u00e1s, Brazil (call)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Affinities not clear, but on basis of voice and biogeography, probably most closely related to the Rufous Gnateater (Conopophaga lineata) group, comprising also Hooded Gnateater (Conopophaga roberti), Ash-throated Gnateater (Conopophaga peruviana), Slaty Gnateater (Conopophaga ardesiaca) and Chestnut-crowned Gnateater (Conopophaga castaneiceps). Described form rusbyi, based on a single specimen from Bolivia, is not distinguishable.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet