Rufous-faced Antpitta

Overview

The rufous-faced antpitta (Grallaria erythrotis) is a species of bird in the family Grallariidae found in Bolivia and Peru. It is classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN, with a population that is believed to be stable despite its restricted range.

Identification

• 15.5 to 19 cm long, weighing between 53 and 70 g, with sexes having identical plumage.
• Dull ochraceous-gray or brown upperparts, contrasting with bright orange-ochraceous lores, face, and neck sides.
• White throat, pale orange-ochraceous upper breast with faint white streaks, and whitish lower breast and belly.
• Black bill with a horn-colored tip, dark brown iris, and gray or pinkish gray legs.
• Song consists of a series of three flat-pitched whistles (whuu-whue-whee) that decrease in duration, or a single drawn-out descending whistle.

Habitat

This species is found in Bolivia, ranging from the far west-central Santa Cruz Department northwest through Cochabamba and La Paz Departments, and possibly extending slightly into southeastern Peru. It inhabits dense vegetation such as secondary forest and forest edges along roads and watercourses, preferring disturbed habitats between 1,700 and 3,300 m elevation, with the highest abundance between 2,000 and 3,000 m.

Diet

The rufous-faced antpitta is known to eat arthropods and perhaps earthworms and small vertebrates, consistent with other members of the genus Grallaria. It forages on or very near the ground.

Did you know?

The species appears fairly immune to anthropogenic disturbance to its habitat, provided that second growth and forest edge are maintained.