The Muisca antpitta is a bird in the family Grallariidae. The species was first described by Frédéric de Lafresnaye in 1843. It was formerly called the rufous antpitta, which in 2020 was found to be a species complex composed of as many as 15 species, some of which were newly described. It is found in the Andes of northern Colombia and western Venezuela.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia south from Santander through Boyacá and Cundinamarca, extending east to the Andean ranges of western Venezuela (e.g., Táchira and Mérida). It inhabits humid montane and cloud forests with dense understory and mossy ground layers. Birds favor thickets of Chusquea bamboo, forest edges, and elfin forest near treeline. They spend most of their time on or near the forest floor, moving quietly through leaf litter. Presence is strongly tied to well-preserved, mature forest.
Altitude Range
1800–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Muisca antpitta is a ground-dwelling antpitta of dense Andean cloud forests, named after the Indigenous Muisca people of Colombia. It was split from the former Rufous Antpitta complex in 2020, clarifying that several similar-looking populations are in fact distinct species. It keeps to shadowy understory and is more often heard than seen, delivering clear, mournful whistles. Its reliance on intact montane forest makes it sensitive to habitat fragmentation.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct hops between perches
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, defending small territories within dense understory. Nests are mossy cups placed low above the ground on banks or in shrubs. Pairs are presumed monogamous, with both adults contributing to care. They often skulk silently, freezing when disturbed.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, mournful series of evenly spaced whistles, often delivered from a concealed perch. Calls include soft hoots and piping notes that carry through the understory in early morning and late afternoon.
