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Overview
Ochre-striped antpitta

Ochre-striped antpitta

Wikipedia

The ochre-striped antpitta is a species of bird in the family Grallariidae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

Distribution

Region

Western Amazon Basin and eastern Andean foothills

Typical Environment

Occurs on the east slope of the Andes and adjacent foothills in southern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, and northern Peru. Prefers humid evergreen forest with a dense understory, including thickets of bamboo and Heliconia. Most frequently found on or near the forest floor along ravines, stream edges, and mossy gullies. It favors intact primary forest but can persist locally in mature secondary forest with sufficient cover.

Altitude Range

400–1500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size16–18 cm
Wing Span25–28 cm
Male Weight0.07 kg
Female Weight0.06 kg
Life Expectancy7 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This shy ground-dweller of the antpitta family is far more often heard than seen, delivering mellow, whistled phrases from dense undergrowth. It hops on long legs through leaf litter, occasionally following army ants to pick off flushed invertebrates. Voice is the most reliable way to detect it, as it avoids open areas and remains in shadowy thickets. It inhabits the eastern Andean foothills of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats, low to the ground

Social Behavior

Generally encountered alone or as pairs, maintaining territories in dense understory. Nests are placed low, with both sexes likely sharing incubation and care of the young. Courtship and pair bonding are subtle and often detected only by duet-like exchanges of song.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Gives clear, mellow whistles delivered singly or in brief series, often descending slightly in pitch. Phrases carry well at dawn and dusk through dense forest. Calls include soft notes used for contact between mates.

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