The thicket antpitta is a species of bird in the family Grallariidae. It is found in Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.
Region
Central America to northwestern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from Honduras and Nicaragua through Costa Rica and Panama to northwestern Colombia. Favors dense understory of humid lowland and foothill forests, including thickets, second growth, and forest edges near streams. Typically keeps to shaded, tangled vegetation and the forest floor. It is a terrestrial skulker that rarely ventures into open areas.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy ground-dwelling antpitta of dense tropical undergrowth, the thicket antpitta is more often heard than seen. It gives clear, carrying whistles that can seem ventriloquial in thick forest. It forages by hopping on the forest floor, flicking leaf litter to uncover prey. Habitat loss in lowland forests can affect local populations.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct through understory
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, maintaining territories in dense thickets. Nests are placed low, typically near the ground in well-concealed sites. Clutch size is small, and both parents participate in care. It often remains motionless when disturbed, relying on camouflage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, whistled notes, often descending or evenly spaced, delivered from hidden perches. The song carries well and can be difficult to locate in dense vegetation.
Plumage
Olive-brown to rufous-brown upperparts with buffy underparts marked with dusky streaks and speckles on the breast and flanks. Throat pale, contrasting with streaked chest; overall appearance warm brown with subtle patterning suited to leaf litter.
Diet
Feeds primarily on arthropods such as ants, beetles, spiders, and other insects gleaned from leaf litter. Will also take worms and occasionally small vertebrates like tiny lizards or frogs. Forages by hopping and pausing, flicking leaves and probing soft soil.
Preferred Environment
Dense understory of humid forests, especially along ravines, stream edges, and thickets with deep leaf litter. Avoids open areas and prefers shaded, tangled vegetation for both feeding and cover.
