The tepui antpitta or brown-breasted antpitta is a species of bird in the family Grallariidae. It is found in Brazil, Guyana, and Venezuela.
Region
Guiana Shield Tepui Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs on the tepuis and adjacent uplands of southern Venezuela, western Guyana, and northern Brazil (Roraima). Prefers humid montane forest with dense, mossy understory, often near streams and along shaded ravines. It frequents forest edges and stunted summit woodlands where leaf litter accumulates. The species is typically tied to relatively undisturbed habitats and avoids open areas. Its patchy distribution mirrors the isolated nature of tepui massifs.
Altitude Range
900–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The tepui antpitta, also known historically as the brown-breasted antpitta, is a shy ground-dwelling bird of the Guiana Shield tepuis. It keeps to dense, mossy understory and is more often heard than seen, delivering mellow, whistled notes from concealed perches. Its restricted range spans isolated tabletop mountains, which act like ecological islands fostering unique fauna. Despite the limited range, it is currently not considered globally threatened.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the ground
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, maintaining territories within suitable understory. Nests are placed low, often in secluded banks or roots, with both parents likely participating in care. Forages by hopping and pausing on the forest floor, occasionally following small ant swarms. Vocal activity increases at dawn and dusk during breeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of mellow, fluted whistles, often delivered as spaced, plaintive notes that carry through dense forest. Calls include soft, rising whistles and thin contact notes. The bird frequently sings from concealed perches just above the ground.
Plumage
Upperparts olive-brown to rufescent-brown with a slightly grayer crown; underparts show a rich brown to rufous-brown breast blending to paler buffy belly. Throat often paler with a slight buff wash; feathering is soft and plain without bold patterning. Tail short; wings rounded. Subtle buff eye ring and faint facial markings may be visible at close range.
Diet
Feeds primarily on arthropods, including ants, beetles, spiders, and other small invertebrates gleaned from leaf litter. May take small frogs or other tiny prey opportunistically. Hunts by standing still and making short hops, picking items from the ground or low vegetation. Occasionally attends minor ant swarms to capture flushed prey.
Preferred Environment
Dense, humid understory with deep leaf litter, root tangles, and mossy ground, especially near streams and ravines. Often forages along shaded trails or natural openings under continuous canopy. Avoids open or heavily disturbed areas.
