Grey-naped Antpitta

Overview

The grey-naped antpitta (Grallaria griseonucha) is a species of antbird endemic to the Venezuelan Andes. It belongs to the family Grallariidae and is currently assessed as being of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Measures 15 to 17 cm in length with a stout bill and a very short tail.
• Nominate subspecies feature a dark brown crown with a wide slate-gray stripe extending down the nape, contrasting with bright rufous-chestnut faces and underparts.
• Subspecies G. g. tachirae is duller, with a brownish-olive crown and less rufous underparts.
• Both subspecies have brown irises, blackish bills with paler mandibles, and gray to brownish-gray legs.
• Primary song is a rapid, hollow-sounding rising series of low whistled notes ending abruptly.

Habitat

This species inhabits the floor and undergrowth of humid, mossy montane forests in the Venezuelan Andes, specifically in Mérida, Trujillo, and Táchira states. It favours dense vegetation such as forest edges, regenerating treefalls, and landslide scars, often associating with stands of Chusquea bamboo. It typically occurs at elevations between 2,300 and 2,800 m, though records exist as low as 1,800 m and as high as 3,000 m.

Diet

Detailed observations of its diet and foraging behaviour are lacking, but it is assumed to feed on arthropods and earthworms captured on the forest floor. The bird is usually seen hopping or running along the ground, similar to other Grallaria antpittas.

Did you know?

Despite the lack of detailed dietary records, the species is often heard giving a whistled call from perches up to about 4 m above the ground, even though it primarily forages on the forest floor.