The Bolivian antpitta is a bird in the family Grallariidae. The species was first described by James Bond and Rodolphe Meyer de Schauensee in 1940. It is endemic to Bolivia. It is a member of the rufous antpitta species complex and was elevated from subspecies to species in 2020 on the basis of differences in plumage and vocalizations.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Endemic to montane and cloud forests of central Bolivia, especially on the humid east Andean slopes. It inhabits dense understory with abundant mosses, leaf litter, and bamboo (Chusquea). The species favors shaded ravines, forest edges with thick cover, and areas near small streams. It keeps close to the ground, using tangles and root masses for concealment.
Altitude Range
2200–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Bolivian antpitta is part of the rufous antpitta species complex and was elevated to species rank in 2020 based on distinctive plumage and vocal traits. It is a shy, ground-dwelling bird that is far more often heard than seen. Its simple, mournful whistles are key to locating and identifying it in dense Andean cloud forests.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low dashes between cover
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs and strongly territorial. Nests are mossy cups placed low in vegetation or on banks, with both parents involved in care. Clutch size is small, usually 1–2 eggs, and birds spend long periods motionless to avoid detection.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers a series of clear, mournful whistles, often 3–5 notes spaced evenly and sometimes slightly ascending. Songs carry well at dawn through misty forest and are a primary cue for detection. Calls include soft, single-note whistles given from dense cover.
Plumage
Warm rufous to cinnamon-brown overall with slightly paler underparts and faint dusky scalloping on the breast. The face can appear subtly grayer, blending into a buffy throat. Wings and tail are plain, with no wingbars. Plumage is soft and uniform, aiding camouflage in leaf litter.
Diet
Feeds mostly on arthropods such as ants, beetles, spiders, and caterpillars, gleaned from leaf litter and mossy ground. It occasionally takes earthworms and small vertebrates like tiny frogs. Prey is captured by short sallies and careful probing among roots and debris. It may opportunistically attend army-ant swarms but is not an obligate follower.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the shaded forest floor and along steep ravines with dense understory. Frequently uses bamboo thickets and fallen logs as cover while hopping and pausing to listen. Often stays within a small, well-known patch of suitable habitat.
