Rusty-tinged Antpitta

Overview

The rusty-tinged antpitta (Grallaria przewalskii) is a species of bird in the family Grallariidae endemic to Peru. It is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List and is considered fairly common despite its restricted range.

Identification

• Adults measure 16 to 22 cm in length and weigh 60 to 74 g, featuring a pale gray forecrown that darkens on the rest of the crown.
• Plumage includes a rufous chestnut upper back, a rufous throat and breast, a white chin and belly, and dusky rufous flanks.
• The bird has a black bill, blue-gray legs and feet, and a dark brown or brown iris, with a faint whitish eye-ring and rufous patch below the eye.
• Vocalisations include a 3-note song with a low middle note and high, loud final note, described as 'hip hew-HEE', plus a series of rising, plaintive, hollow 'clew?' calls.

Habitat

Found on the eastern side of the Peruvian Andes, its range extends from south of the Marañón River in Amazonas Department through San Martín and La Libertad departments. It inhabits the floor and understory of humid primary forest, particularly areas with stands of Chusquea bamboo, at elevations between 1,700 and 2,750 m.

Diet

The species is known to feed on insects and seeds. While specific foraging details are not documented, it is assumed to forage on or near the ground like other antpittas.

Did you know?

The bird's song is distinctively described as a 3-note phrase where the final note is the highest and loudest, transcribed as 'hip hew-HEE'.