Typical Antbirds (Thamnophilidae)

Tufted Antshrike (Mackenziaena severa) - HBW 8, p. 534

French: Batara othello German: Schwarzmasken-Ameisenwürger Spanish: Batará Copetón

Taxonomy: Lanius severus M. H. K. Lichtenstein, 1823, São Paulo, Brazil.
Genus presumed related to Thamnophilus on basis of external morphology, especially the strongly hooked bill, but supporting molecular or other evidence unavailable. May be more closely allied with species in genus Frederickena than with M. leachii. Monotypic.

Distribution: SE Brazil (SE Bahia, EC Minas Gerais and W São Paulo S to N Rio Grande do Sul), E Paraguay (Amambay, Canindeyu, Alto Paraná, Caazapá, Itapuá) and NE Argentina (Misiones).