Atuen antpitta

Overview

Wikipedia

The Atuen antpitta, or southern tawny antpitta, is a species of bird in the family Grallariidae. It is endemic to Peru.

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Distribution

Region

Andes Mountains

Typical Environment

Endemic to the northern Peruvian Andes, primarily in humid montane and cloud forests with dense understory and adjacent elfin forest. It favors thick mossy thickets, Chusquea bamboo, and forest edges along ridges and gullies. The species is typically terrestrial, using leaf-littered floors and root tangles for cover. It is associated with relatively undisturbed forest but may occur in selectively logged tracts where understory remains intact.

Altitude Range

2600–3600 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size16–18 cm

Wing Span25–30 cm

Male Weight0.06 kg

Female Weight0.055 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The Atuen antpitta, also known as the southern tawny antpitta, is a secretive ground-dwelling bird of the Peruvian Andes. It stays low in dense understory, where it hops rather than flies, and is more often heard than seen. Its simple, whistled song helps distinguish it from closely related antpittas. It was only recently recognized as a distinct species within the antpitta complex.

Behaviour

Temperament

shy and skulking

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats, low and brief flights

Social Behavior

Generally solitary or in pairs, maintaining territories within dense understory. Nests are placed low, often near the ground on banks or in thick vegetation, with small clutches. Both adults likely participate in parental care. Displays and singing often occur from concealed perches.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Song is a simple, clear series of whistled notes, usually repeated at even intervals and carrying through the forest. Calls include soft, mournful whistles and short contact notes. Vocal differences help separate it from nearby antpitta taxa.

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Identification

Leg Colorpinkish-grey

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Mostly uniform tawny to rufous-brown with fine, subtle mottling on the breast and slightly paler underparts; plumage appears soft and unpatterned at a distance.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Feeds mainly on arthropods such as beetles, ants, spiders, and other insects, gleaned from the leaf litter and mossy substrates. It probes among roots and decaying leaves and may take small earthworms or other invertebrates. Occasionally forages near small ant swarms but does not specialize on them.

Preferred Environment

Forages on the shaded forest floor and along dense understory tangles, especially in bamboo and mossy thickets. Edges of trails and natural openings are used at quiet times of day.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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