The Panao antpitta, also known as O'Neill's antpitta, is a species of bird in the family Grallariidae. It is endemic to Peru.
Region
Central Peruvian Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and cloud forests, favoring dense understory with mossy ground, vine tangles, and bamboo (Chusquea) thickets. It keeps close to the forest floor, using fallen logs, root buttresses, and shaded ravines as cover. Territories tend to follow steep, wet slopes and stream gullies where leaf litter accumulates. It is patchily distributed but can be locally common where intact forest persists.
Altitude Range
2400–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called O’Neill’s antpitta, this species was described only recently after the Rufous Antpitta complex was split, highlighting hidden diversity in Andean cloud forests. It is notoriously skulking and is far more often detected by its distinctive whistles than seen. Like many antpittas, it spends most of its time on or near the forest floor, hopping through leaf litter.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the ground
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs, maintaining discrete territories within dense understory. Nests are placed low, often near the ground in thick vegetation or on banks, with both sexes likely participating in care. Courtship and pair bonding are discreet, relying more on song than display.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, fluted whistles delivered at measured intervals, often slightly accelerating or descending toward the end. Calls are soft, mournful notes that carry well through cloud forest. Individuals sing most at dawn and dusk, especially after rain or in mist.
