The Perija antpitta is a Near Threatened species of bird in the family Grallariidae. It is endemic to the Serranía del Perijá on the border of Colombia and Venezuela.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and cloud forests of the Serranía del Perijá, favoring dense understory with mossy ground, leaf-litter, and thickets of Chusquea bamboo. It uses forest edges, ravines, and secondary growth where cover remains, but is most frequent in intact forest. The species is highly localized, with a discontinuous distribution tracking suitable habitat along the ridge. It typically keeps to shaded, quiet areas and seldom ventures into open spaces.
Altitude Range
1800–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Perijá antpitta is a secretive ground-dwelling bird confined to the cloud forests of the Serranía del Perijá on the Colombia–Venezuela border. It keeps to dense understory and is more often heard than seen, delivering a soft, mournful series of notes. Habitat loss from deforestation and agriculture is the main threat to its small range. Careful listening at dawn along quiet forest trails greatly improves chances of detection.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs, defending small territories on the forest floor. Nests are usually mossy cups placed low above ground or on banks, with a clutch of one to two eggs. Both adults are believed to share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a simple, low-pitched series of hollow, evenly spaced notes, often delivered at dawn and dusk. Calls include soft whistles and hoots that carry through dense understory but can be easily missed amidst ambient forest sounds.
Plumage
Compact, round-bodied antpitta with predominantly rich rufous to cinnamon-brown plumage; underparts slightly paler with faint dusky scalloping on the breast and flanks. The crown and mantle are warmer rufous, with a subtly contrasting, slightly paler throat and belly.
Diet
Feeds primarily on arthropods such as beetles, ants, spiders, and other insects, as well as earthworms and occasional small vertebrates. It gleans and probes among leaf litter and moss, making short hops and pauses to listen. Opportunistically follows disturbances that flush prey, including army-ant activity near the ground.
Preferred Environment
Forages on shaded forest floors, along narrow trails, stream edges, and within dense bamboo or vine tangles. Prefers areas with deep leaf litter and abundant cover for stealthy movement.
