Tapajos Antpitta

Overview

The Tapajos antpitta (Myrmothera subcanescens) is a species of bird in the family Grallariidae endemic to Brazil. It was long considered a subspecies of the thrush-like antpitta but was recognised as a separate species by major taxonomic systems starting in 2018.

Identification

• Length of about 14.5 to 15 cm, with sexes sharing identical plumage.
• Brown crown, nape, upperparts, wings, and tail, contrasting with a white throat and underparts.
• A small white spot behind the eye and slightly paler, grayer lores on an otherwise brown face.
• Song consists of a slightly rising series of 5–8 similar-sounding, hollow notes that gradually increase in volume and pitch, accompanied by a low rattle or churr call.

Habitat

Found in the Amazon Basin of central Brazil, south of the Amazon and east of the Madeira River, extending into Rondônia, southern Pará, and northern Mato Grosso. It inhabits humid lowland rainforest, favouring areas with dense understory such as tree-fall openings, regrowing clearings, and edges along watercourses.

Diet

Specific dietary and foraging details are undocumented, but like other Myrmothera antpittas, it is highly terrestrial and feeds mostly on arthropods.

Did you know?

Although it has a large range and is assessed as Least Concern, the species is threatened by large-scale logging for agricultural expansion due to its susceptibility to forest fragmentation.