Thrush-like antpitta

The thrush-like antpitta is a species of bird in the antpitta family Grallariidae. It is found in every mainland South American country except Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

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Distribution

Region

Amazon Basin and Guiana Shield

Typical Environment

This species inhabits tropical lowland rainforest across much of northern and western South America, including the Amazon Basin and the Guianas. It favors dense understory in terra firme and seasonally flooded várzea forests, often near quiet streambeds and in areas with deep leaf litter. It also occurs in older secondary forests where suitable understory persists. It is typically local but widespread where habitat remains intact.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size16–18 cm

Wing Span25–28 cm

Male Weight0.055 kg

Female Weight0.05 kg

Life Expectancy7 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The thrush-like antpitta is a ground-dwelling bird of humid lowland forests, often heard more than seen. Its species name, campanisona, refers to its clear, bell-like song that carries through the understory. It forages quietly on the forest floor, flicking leaf litter to find insects and other small prey.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

shy and skulking

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually solitary or in pairs, keeping to dense understory where it moves with quiet hops. Nests are placed low or near the ground, with both parents involved in incubation and care. Territorial singing is common at dawn and after rain.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A clear, bell-like series of ringing whistles, often delivered in measured intervals. The song carries far through the forest and is a primary cue for detection; calls include soft notes and short whistles given from concealed perches.

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Identification

Leg Colorpinkish-grey

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Warm brown upperparts with buffy underparts heavily marked with dark scalloping or scaling on the breast and flanks. The throat is paler, often whitish to buff, contrasting subtly with the patterned breast.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Feeds mainly on arthropods such as beetles, ants, termites, spiders, and other invertebrates gleaned from leaf litter. It also takes earthworms and occasionally small vertebrates like tiny lizards or frogs. Prey is captured by short dashes and pecks after flicking leaves aside.

Preferred Environment

Primarily forages on the shaded forest floor in dense understory, especially along quiet stream margins and in deep leaf litter. Will also feed at forest edges and in older secondary growth if cover is adequate.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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