[6] The Santa Marta antbird's diet is not known in detail; it is thought to feed primarily on insects and probably also on spiders.

It typically forages in pairs or in family groups and does not join mixed-species feeding flocks.

It has a relatively small range and its estimated population of fewer than 9000 mature individuals is believed to be decreasing.

"Forest within its altitudinal range is being cleared for coffee and illegal marijuana plantations.

Remaining habitat is threatened by agricultural expansion, logging, burning and drought.

"[1] It does occur in one protected area, the private El Dorado Bird Reserve.