The white-throated antpitta is a species of bird in the family Grallariidae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and cloud forests on the eastern slopes of the Andes in Peru, Bolivia, and northwestern Argentina. Prefers dense understory with abundant leaf litter, mossy ravines, and thickets of bamboo (often Chusquea). Typically keeps to shaded forest interiors but may approach edges and trails at dawn. It is highly terrestrial and uses cover to remain concealed, moving in short hops.
Altitude Range
1500–3300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A secretive ground-dweller of Andean cloud forests, the white-throated antpitta is more often heard than seen. Its bold white throat stands out in the dim understory and may serve as a visual signal during territorial displays. It often hops rather than flies, foraging quietly through leaf litter for insects and other small invertebrates.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats over brief distances
Social Behavior
Usually encountered alone or in pairs, holding territories in dense understory. Nests are placed low or near the ground, often built of moss and leaves. Both sexes likely share incubation and chick-rearing duties, and adults remain close to cover when disturbed.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers a clear, mournful series of whistled notes that carry far through cloud forest. Phrases are often repeated at intervals, with spacing between notes that gives the song a slow, ringing quality.
Plumage
Plump, long-legged antpitta with rich rufous-brown upperparts and warm cinnamon underparts. The throat is clean white and contrasts strongly with the surrounding darker face and breast. Feathers appear smooth and unpatterned on the back, with subtle dusky edging on the breast for some individuals.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects and other arthropods such as beetles, ants, spiders, and larvae. It also takes small worms and other invertebrates found in moist leaf litter. Occasionally it may grab small prey flushed by moving mammals or ant swarms.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the forest floor in dense, shaded understory and bamboo tangles. Often works along quiet trails, ravines, and bases of treefalls where leaf litter is deep.
