Snethlage's Antpitta

Overview

Snethlage's antpitta (Hylopezus paraensis) is a small bird in the family Grallariidae that is endemic to Brazil. It was historically treated as a subspecies of the spotted antpitta but has been elevated to full species status by several major taxonomic authorities, though it remains a subspecies in others.

Identification

• Measures 13 to 14 cm in length with a weight of approximately 42 to 48 g.
• Features a distinct white moustache marked by a black stripe below it, along with a buffy-white loral spot and a buff-ochraceous eye ring.
• Possesses olive-gray upperparts that darken to olive-brown on the rump, contrasted with mostly white underparts that have a buff or ochraceous wash on the breast.
• Song consists of a decelerating series of 5–6 similar notes lasting about 3 seconds, delivered at approximately 0.8 kHz and repeated every 10–20 seconds.

Habitat

Found in northeastern Brazil south of the Amazon, ranging from the Xingu River east to the Atlantic coast, primarily within Pará state and extending slightly into Maranhão. It inhabits the undergrowth of mature terra firme forest in lowland areas, reaching from sea level to about 500 m in elevation.

Did you know?

Although recognized as a distinct species by major ornithological bodies following a 2012 publication, BirdLife International retains Hylopezus paraensis as a subspecies of the spotted antpitta as of early 2024, meaning it has not yet received a separate conservation status assessment from the IUCN.