The speckle-breasted antpitta is a species of bird in the family Grallariidae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Region
Atlantic Forest, southeastern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid to semi-humid forests from southeastern Brazil into eastern Paraguay and northeastern Argentina. Prefers dense understory of mature and secondary evergreen or semi-deciduous forests, often near streams and in bamboo or vine tangles. It also uses forest edges and well-wooded ravines where ground cover is thick. The species is typically found low to the ground, moving in short hops and remaining concealed in leaf litter.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The speckle-breasted antpitta is a shy understory specialist of the Atlantic Forest and adjacent woodlands, where it is far more often heard than seen. It forages on or near the ground, flicking leaf litter to uncover insects and other invertebrates. Its clear, whistled song carries well at dawn and dusk, aiding detection in dense foliage.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct
Social Behavior
Usually encountered alone or in pairs, maintaining territories within dense understory. Nests are placed low, often close to the ground in thick vegetation, with both adults participating in care. Pairs are generally monogamous during the breeding season and remain secretive while nesting.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a clear, whistled series of notes, often starting with a single pure whistle followed by evenly spaced phrases. The song carries through the forest and is most frequent at dawn and dusk. Calls include soft chip notes from the undergrowth.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with a contrasting whitish to buff underpart heavily marked with dark speckles and spots across the breast and sides. The throat is pale with fine mottling, and the flanks show rufous tones. Feathers are soft and cryptic, aiding camouflage in the understory.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects and other arthropods, including beetles, ants, spiders, and caterpillars. It may also take small worms and occasionally small vertebrates. Prey is gleaned from leaf litter or picked from low vegetation, with short dashes to seize moving items.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the shaded forest floor, along trails, stream edges, and within bamboo or vine tangles where leaf litter is deep. It remains close to cover, using dense vegetation for concealment while feeding.
