Chestnut-crowned Gnateater

Overview

The chestnut-crowned gnateater (Conopophaga castaneiceps) is a small bird in the family Conopophagidae. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species occurs in discontinuous areas across the Andes from central Colombia to south-central Peru.

Identification

• Small bird measuring 13 to 14 cm in length with a mean weight of 27.6 g.
• Male nominate subspecies has brown upper parts, a grey face and throat, orange-brown flanks, and an orange-red crown topped with a white tuft behind the eye.
• Females have orange-red heads and chests with whitish bellies and a smaller white eye plume.
• Song consists of frog-like, slightly disyllabic notes that accelerate and increase in volume; calls include a harsh 'zhiek!' and a lower 'schek'.

Habitat

Inhabits subtropical and tropical rainforests, preferring smaller vegetation in openings such as regenerating landslides within the forest interior. Elevation ranges typically between 1,000 and 2,000 m, though it has been recorded as low as 500 m and as high as 2,200 m in specific locations.

Diet

Forages for arthropods in leaf litter and foliage on or near the ground.

Did you know?

The species might benefit from the dense vegetation that grows in human-disturbed areas.