The Urrao antpitta, also known as Fenwick's antpitta, is a highly threatened species of bird found in the understory of cloud forest in the Andean highlands of Colombia. The first published description used the scientific name Grallaria fenwickorum ; shortly afterward, a second description using the name Grallaria urraoensis was published. The editors of the latter recognized that the name likely was a junior synonym, but others have questioned the validity of the first description, and various authorities, including the International Ornithological Congress, have adopted G. urraoensis. Antioquia antpitta has been suggested as an English-language name compromise.
Region
Northern Andes (Colombian Western Cordillera)
Typical Environment
Known only from the Páramo del Sol/Frontino massif near Urrao in Antioquia, Colombia. It occupies the understory of upper montane cloud forest, elfin forest, and forest–páramo ecotones with abundant moss and Chusquea bamboo. The species keeps to ravines, thickets, and damp, shadowed forest floor microhabitats. Its extent of occurrence is extremely small and largely within or adjacent to the Colibrí del Sol Bird Reserve.
Altitude Range
3000–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called Fenwick’s or Antioquia antpitta, this elusive ground-dweller was described in 2010 from the high Andes of Colombia, with naming debated between G. fenwickorum and G. urraoensis; most global lists now use G. urraoensis. It is restricted to a tiny range around Urrao, Antioquia, where it inhabits dense cloud-forest and elfin forest with bamboo. Its minuscule range and sensitivity to habitat change make it one of Colombia’s most threatened birds.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; prefers to run or hop on the ground
Social Behavior
Typically encountered alone or in pairs, keeping to dense understory where it moves with deliberate hops. Territorial calling is most frequent at dawn and dusk. Nesting is presumed similar to congeners, with a mossy cup placed low and a small clutch, likely 1–2 eggs, and biparental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, mournful whistles, often given at long intervals from hidden perches. Phrases can accelerate slightly or rise in pitch, carrying well through cloud-forest valleys. Soft contact notes are used at close range.
