The Boyaca antpitta, or northern tawny antpitta, is a species of bird in the family Grallariidae. It is endemic to Colombia.
Region
Northern Andes (Eastern Cordillera of Colombia)
Typical Environment
Occurs in high-elevation páramo grasslands with scattered shrubs, Espeletia stands, and edges of elfin forest. Prefers dense ground cover, mossy hummocks, and bamboo (Chusquea) thickets where it can move and forage unobtrusively. Often found along ecotones between open páramo and stunted forest, including trail edges and clearings. It is generally local but can be fairly common where habitat is intact.
Altitude Range
2800–4200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Recently split from the Tawny Antpitta complex, the Boyacá antpitta is a high-Andean ground-dweller of Colombia’s Eastern Cordillera. It skulks in páramo shrublands and elfin forest edges, but its far-carrying, hollow whistles reveal its presence. It forages by hopping and picking prey from moss and leaf litter, often along trails and open patches.
Temperament
shy and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; low, weak flights
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs, maintaining year-round territories. Nests are mossy cup structures placed low in vegetation or on banks, with both adults involved in care. Courtship and territory advertisement rely heavily on vocalizations at dawn.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of hollow, whistled notes delivered at measured intervals, carrying long distances across open páramo. Also gives sharp contact calls and soft clucks while foraging.
Plumage
Mostly uniform tawny-cinnamon with slightly paler underparts and minimal patterning; feathers appear soft and dense, aiding in insulation at altitude.
Diet
Primarily consumes arthropods such as beetles, ants, spiders, and caterpillars, along with earthworms and other soil invertebrates. Forages by hopping and pausing to pick prey from leaf litter, moss, and shallow soil. May occasionally take small berries when invertebrate prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on or near the ground in dense páramo shrubs, bamboo clumps, and edges of elfin forest. Often uses lightly disturbed edges and trail margins where prey is more easily detected.
