The hooded antpitta is a Near Threatened species of bird in the family Grallariidae. It is found in Colombia and Venezuela.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and cloud forests of Colombia and Venezuela, especially along the Andean slopes. It favors dense, mossy understory, steep ravines, and areas with Chusquea bamboo. The species stays close to the forest floor, using root tangles and fallen logs for cover. It may venture to forest edges or along streams but avoids open habitats.
Altitude Range
1200–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Hooded Antpitta is a shy, ground-dwelling bird of the Northern Andes’ cloud forests, often detected more by its plaintive whistles than by sight. It keeps to dense understory and mossy ravines, where it hops rather than flies. Ongoing habitat loss from deforestation threatens its specialized montane habitat.
Hooded antpitta
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered alone or in pairs, moving quietly through dense understory. Territorial during the breeding season and known to nest low, often in banks or root masses, with both parents involved in care. It spends most of its time on or near the ground, hopping between cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft, mournful series of clear whistles, often delivered from a concealed perch. Phrases may rise slightly and then fall, repeated at measured intervals, especially at dawn and dusk.
