The scallop-breasted antpitta is a Near Threatened species of bird in the family Grallariidae. It is endemic to Venezuela.
Region
Venezuelan Coastal Range
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in humid montane and cloud forests of the Cordillera de la Costa in northern Venezuela. Prefers mature, mossy forest with a dense understory of ferns, bamboo, and vine tangles. Often uses steep ravines, shaded gullies, and stream edges where leaf litter accumulates. It remains close to the forest floor and avoids open or heavily disturbed areas.
Altitude Range
800–2000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny, elusive antpitta of Venezuela’s coastal mountains, it is best detected by its clear, whistled song rather than by sight. The name refers to the fine, scalloped pattern across the breast. Habitat loss and fragmentation of humid montane forests are the main threats to this Near Threatened species.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats close to the ground; brief, low hops between perches
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, maintaining discrete territories within dense understory. Nests are typically mossy cups placed low in vegetation or on sheltered banks. Both parents likely share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a series of clear, mellow whistles that may rise slightly and then fall in pitch. Songs are delivered from concealed perches, especially at dawn and dusk.
Plumage
Compact, round-bodied antpitta with olive-brown upperparts and a contrasting, finely scalloped buff-and-dark breast over a paler throat. The face shows soft grayish tones with a distinct buff eyering, and the flanks may show warm rufous. Wings and tail are short; underparts otherwise pale buff to whitish.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods such as beetles, ants, spiders, and other insects gleaned from leaf litter and low vegetation. It picks prey from the ground and from mossy trunks or roots, occasionally sallying a short distance to snatch moving prey. Small worms and other invertebrates may be taken opportunistically. Army-ant following is occasional at best and highly localized.
Preferred Environment
Forages on shaded forest floors, along mossy ravines, and beside streams where damp leaf litter concentrates prey. Seeks microhabitats with thick understory cover for protection and ambush. Avoids open clearings and heavily degraded forest.
