The yellow-breasted antpitta is a species of bird in the family Grallariidae. It is found in Colombia and Ecuador.
Region
Chocó-Andean region of Colombia and Ecuador
Typical Environment
Occupies humid montane and cloud forests on the west slope of the Andes, mainly in Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. Prefers dense understory with abundant leaf litter, often near ravines and streams. Frequently uses bamboo (Chusquea) thickets and forest edges where cover remains intact. It is highly localized and patchy where forest has been fragmented.
Altitude Range
900–2300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy ground-dwelling antpitta of humid Andean forests, it often reveals itself by a clear, whistled song rather than by sight. It stands upright on long legs and hops through leaf litter, rarely flying. Habitat loss in the Chocó-Andean region affects many of its populations, making preservation of mid-elevation cloud forests important.
Temperament
solitary and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the ground
Social Behavior
Typically encountered alone or in pairs, maintaining well-defined territories on the forest floor. Nests are placed low or near the ground, with both sexes likely involved in incubation and care. Clutch size is small, often one to two eggs, and nests are well concealed in dense vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, far-carrying series of mellow, whistled notes delivered from a concealed perch. Phrases are repeated at intervals, especially at dawn and dusk. Calls are simple but penetrating, aiding detection in dense cover.
