Grallaria blakei
The Chestnut Antpitta (Grallaria blakei) is a striking, medium-sized antpitta, measuring approximately 14-16 cm (5.5-6.3 inches) in length and weighing between 36-45 grams. It is instantly recognizable by its rich, uniform chestnut-rufous plumage covering its head, neck, and underparts, starkly contrasting with its dark gray back, wings, and tail. A prominent black eye-ring, which can appear broken, and a short black malar stripe (whisker) are distinctive facial field marks. There is no signi...
Found exclusively in the dense understory of humid montane cloud forests, elfin forest, and the edges of paramo, typically at elevations between 2,200 and 3,100 meters (7,200-10,200 ft).
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates, including beetles, ants, and spiders, gleaned from the leaf litter of the forest floor.
The Chestnut Antpitta is a highly secretive, diurnal species, spending virtually all its time hopping quietly on the dark, damp forest floor, rarely perching more than a meter above ground. Its primary foraging strategy involves meticulously flicking aside leaf litter with its bill and feet to ex...
The Chestnut Antpitta is a resident species found exclusively in the Andes Mountains of South America. Its distribution spans from southern Colombia (specifically in the Nariño department), continuing south through both the eastern and western cordilleras of Ecuador, and extending into northern P...
Least Concern
- The Chestnut Antpitta was named in honor of Emmet Reid Blake, a notable American ornithologist and curator at the Field Museum of Natural History. - It is often considered one of the 'holy grail' sightings for birders in its range due to its extreme shyness and skulking habits, often leading to...