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.
