First Described (Guide)
Whitney & Alvarez Alonso, 1998
Habitat
Canopy and subcanopy of humid tropical forest, and apparently restricted to terra firme forest growing on nutrient-poor podzolic or quartzitic soils, as well as on high, dry ridgetops. From sea-level - 200 m.
Ancient Antwren (Herpsilochmus gentryi) [XC257082]
by John V. Moore from Loreto: right (w) bank R\u00edo Morona, ca. 54 km NNW of mouth of river, Peru (duet)
Ancient Antwren (gentryi) [XC249875]
by Daniel F. Lane from Pastaza: Kapawi area, left bank R\u00edo Pastaza, Ecuador (call, calls)
Subspecies
Appears to form a superspecies with Todd's Antwren (Herpsilochmus stictocephalus). Similarity of vocalizations have suggested to some that both are closely related to the Bahia Antwren (Herpsilochmus pileatus) group.