Peruvian Antpitta

Overview

The Peruvian antpitta (Grallaricula peruviana) is a Near Threatened species of bird in the family Grallariidae. It is a very small Andean antpitta found in Ecuador and Peru.

Identification

• Length of approximately 10 cm with a weight between 17 and 21 g.
• Males feature a rufous-cream loral patch, a white "moustache" with a black line below, and a rich orange-rufous crown.
• Females have a rufous brown crown and nape, with a buffy loral patch and eyering.
• Underparts are white and heavily covered with concave black crescents, though the breast's center is lighter.
• Possesses a dark chestnut iris, a blackish or grayish bill with a dull yellowish green tip, and pale pinkish gray legs.

Habitat

Inhabits the eastern slope of the Andes, with a core range extending from central Morona-Santiago Province in Ecuador south into Peru. It appears to favour riparian areas and intact humid forest in the subtropical zone, shunning disturbed areas.

Diet

Feeds on insects, other invertebrates, and small frogs. It forages by gleaning in low vegetation but rarely feeds on the ground.

Did you know?

Both members of the pair build shallow cup nests made of moss placed on a platform of sticks and lined with dark rootlets. These nests are situated 0.8 to 2.4 m above the ground in small saplings supported by ferns, thin branches, and epiphytes.