The Cajamarca antpitta is a species of bird in the family Grallariidae. It is endemic to Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and cloud forests of the northern Peruvian Andes, especially in the department of Cajamarca and nearby ranges. It favors dense understory with thick moss, bamboo, and Chusquea thickets, often along ridgelines and steep slopes. Birds keep close to the ground, moving through leaf litter and root tangles where they remain well concealed. It may persist in partially degraded forest if sufficient understory cover remains, but is most frequent in mature, moss-laden forest. Territories are typically small and defended by song.
Altitude Range
2400–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Cajamarca antpitta is a recently recognized split from the Rufous Antpitta complex, confined to the high Andes of northern Peru. It is a shy, ground-dwelling bird that prefers dense, mossy understory where it is more often heard than seen. Its clear, mournful whistles carry through cloud forests at dawn. Habitat loss in its limited range is a concern for its long-term security.
Temperament
secretive and terrestrial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats low to the ground
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs, staying close to dense cover. Nests are placed low, often on banks or in dense vegetation, with both sexes contributing to nesting duties. Territorial singing is common at dawn and after rain. Breeding territories are defended year-round in suitable habitat.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, plaintive whistles delivered at measured intervals, often carrying far through the forest. Phrases may accelerate slightly and drop in pitch, giving a mournful, ventriloquial quality.
Plumage
Compact, round-bodied antpitta with largely uniform warm rufous to cinnamon-brown plumage, subtly darker on the crown and nape. The breast can show faint scalloping or mottling, with slightly paler throat and buffy belly tones. Wings and tail are plain and short, giving a stubby appearance. The overall look is smooth-textured and largely unpatterned.
Diet
Feeds mainly on arthropods such as ants, beetles, spiders, and caterpillars, and also takes earthworms and other soft-bodied invertebrates. It forages by hopping and pausing, picking prey from leaf litter and low vegetation. Occasional short sallies snag hidden prey from mossy roots and logs. Small vertebrates are taken rarely, if at all.
Preferred Environment
Dense, mossy understory of cloud forest, including bamboo thickets and forest edges with substantial ground cover. Often along shaded trails, ravines, and steep slopes where leaf litter and root tangles provide cover and prey.
