The rusty-tinged antpitta is a species of bird in the family Grallariidae. It is endemic to Peru.
Region
Eastern slopes of the Peruvian Andes
Typical Environment
Occupies humid montane and foothill cloud forests on the Amazonian slope. Favors dense understory with mossy ground, thickets, and stands of Chusquea bamboo. Often found along shaded ravines, forest edges, and older secondary growth where leaf litter accumulates. It keeps close to the ground, using cover to remain concealed. Localized within suitable habitat patches across its range.
Altitude Range
1200–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The rusty-tinged antpitta is a shy, ground-dwelling bird of the Peruvian Andes, often detected more by its haunting whistles than by sight. Like many antpittas, it hops through dense understory and leaf litter, occasionally responding to playback or appearing at worm-feeding stations. Its restricted range makes it sensitive to habitat loss, particularly the degradation of montane cloud forests.
Temperament
solitary and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the ground
Social Behavior
Typically encountered alone or in pairs, maintaining territories in dense understory. Nests are placed low, often in tangles or on banks, with both sexes likely contributing to care. Clutch size is small as in many antpittas, and young are tended discreetly within cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a series of clear, fluted whistles that often descend in pitch and carry through the forest. Calls are simple but far-carrying, most frequent at dawn and dusk.
Plumage
Overall plain, soft-textured plumage with rich rufous to rusty-brown tones; slightly paler underparts and minimal patterning.
Diet
Feeds primarily on ground-dwelling arthropods such as ants, beetles, spiders, and other insects. Also takes worms and other small invertebrates gleaned from leaf litter. May occasionally snatch small amphibians when available. Forages by hopping and pausing to probe or pick from the forest floor.
Preferred Environment
Dense, shaded understory with deep leaf litter, mossy logs, and bamboo thickets. Often forages along quiet trails, ravines, and the bases of slopes where invertebrate prey accumulates.
