The rusty-breasted antpitta is a species of bird in the family Grallariidae. It is found in Colombia and Venezuela.
Region
Northern Andes and Venezuelan Coastal Range
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and cloud forests of the Eastern Andes of Colombia and the Andes and coastal ranges of northern Venezuela. Prefers dense understory with mossy ground, thickets, and bamboo or Chusquea stands. Often found along steep ravines, stream gullies, and shaded forest edges where leaf litter accumulates. It is generally patchy but can be locally fairly common where suitable habitat persists.
Altitude Range
900–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny, ground-dwelling antpitta of dense montane forest, it is far more often heard than seen. Its clear, whistled song carries through cloud forest understory, helping birders locate this elusive species. It sometimes attends army-ant swarms to snatch flushed arthropods. As an insect specialist, it plays a role in controlling leaf-litter invertebrates.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, usually low to the ground
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, keeping to dense cover and moving with short hops on the forest floor. Breeding pairs defend small territories and build a mossy cup nest placed near the ground or on low banks. Parental care is shared, with both adults tending the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives clear, plaintive whistles, often a simple, repeated note or short series spaced at intervals. The song carries well through dense foliage, while contact calls are soft and easily overlooked.
Plumage
Compact, round-bodied antpitta with olive-brown upperparts and a contrasting rich rusty-orange throat and breast, fading to a paler whitish or buff belly. Feathers appear soft and sleek, with minimal barring. A fine pale eye ring and subtle grayish tones on the face can be evident.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects and other arthropods such as beetles, ants, spiders, and caterpillars gleaned from leaf litter. Will occasionally take small invertebrates from low vegetation and edges of logs. At times follows army-ant swarms to capture flushed prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages on or near the forest floor in dim, dense understory, especially along ravines, stream edges, and bamboo thickets. Often selects moist leaf litter and root tangles where prey is abundant.
