The Peruvian antpitta is a Near Threatened species of bird in the family Grallariidae. It is found in Ecuador and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane forests of southern Ecuador and northern Peru, favoring mature cloud forest with dense understory. It keeps to shaded ravines, mossy forest floors, and thickets of bamboo or Chusquea. The species tolerates some secondary growth but is most frequent near intact primary forest. It is typically local and patchily distributed where suitable habitat remains.
Altitude Range
1500–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy ground-dweller of Andean cloud forests, the Peruvian antpitta is far more often heard than seen, delivering mellow, mournful whistles from dense understory. It forages by hopping and flicking leaf litter for hidden prey. Ongoing habitat loss in the Andes threatens its fragmented populations, which is why it has been assessed near threatened regionally.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, usually low to the ground
Social Behavior
Primarily solitary or in pairs, maintaining territories in dense understory. Nests are typically cup-like structures placed low in vegetation or on banks, with small clutches. Both adults likely participate in care, remaining close to cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a mellow series of clear, mournful whistles delivered at measured intervals, carrying well through cloud forest. Calls include soft hoots and piping notes, often given pre-dawn and at dusk.
Plumage
Compact, round-bodied antpitta with mostly warm rufous-brown upperparts and paler, buffy to tawny underparts; plumage appears matte and finely textured. The face can show a slightly grayer or duskier tone with subtle, diffuse streaking on the breast in some individuals.
Diet
Feeds mainly on ground-dwelling arthropods such as beetles, ants, termites, spiders, and larvae. It occasionally takes small earthworms or other invertebrates uncovered by leaf-litter flipping. Foraging involves short hops, pausing to listen, then quick strikes at prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the shaded forest floor, especially along damp ravines, mossy banks, and bamboo thickets. Prefers dense leaf litter and fallen logs that provide cover and prey-rich microhabitats.
