The chestnut-crowned antpitta is a species of bird in the family Grallariidae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and cloud forests from western Venezuela through Colombia and Ecuador to northern Peru. It favors dense understory, mossy ravines, and bamboo (Chusquea) thickets within mature forest and well-vegetated edges. The species also uses secondary growth where cover is sufficient. It is typically encountered on or near the forest floor, especially along shaded trails and stream gullies.
Altitude Range
1600–3400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy, ground-dwelling antpitta of the Northern Andes, it is far more often heard than seen, delivering a clear, ventriloquial series of whistled notes. It hops on long legs through dense understory, flicking leaves to uncover prey. Nests are typically low and cup-shaped, with both parents involved in care. Despite habitat pressures in parts of its range, the species remains fairly widespread.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; low, brief flights between cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, maintaining territories within dense understory. Breeding pairs construct low, cup-shaped nests and typically lay one to two eggs. Both sexes are believed to share incubation and chick-rearing duties. They remain close to the ground, moving by hops and short dashes.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, whistled series of notes that can sound ventriloquial, often starting spaced and then accelerating slightly. Calls are simple, resonant whoo or peet notes, repeated at intervals, carrying well through cloud forest.
Plumage
Plump, short-tailed antpitta with a rich chestnut crown and nape contrasting with a grayish face and olive-brown back. Underparts are buff to whitish with dark, bold streaking on the breast and flanks, and a paler throat. Feathers appear smooth and sleek, aiding in a clean, rounded silhouette.
Diet
Primarily consumes insects and other arthropods, including beetles, ants, spiders, and caterpillars. Also takes earthworms and occasionally small vertebrates such as tiny frogs or lizards. Forages by hopping and flicking leaf litter to expose prey, then striking quickly.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on the forest floor and in very low vegetation within dense, humid montane forest. Often forages along shaded trails, stream edges, and bamboo thickets. May opportunistically visit army ant activity to capture flushed invertebrates.
