Grallaria nuchalis
The Chestnut-naped Antpitta (*Grallaria nuchalis*) is a captivating, medium-sized neotropical passerine known for its elusive nature and strikingly resonant calls. Measuring approximately 18-20 cm (7-8 inches) in length and weighing 70-90 grams, this stout-bodied bird is characterized by its long, sturdy legs, short tail, and a distinctive rich chestnut patch adorning its nape and hindneck. Its upperparts are olive-brown, contrasting with a grayish belly and flanks, making the chestnut nape a...
This species exclusively inhabits montane cloud forests and humid evergreen forests, preferring dense understory on steep slopes. It typically occurs at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 3,000 meters (5,900-9,800 feet) throughout the Andes.
The Chestnut-naped Antpitta primarily feeds on ground-dwelling invertebrates, including various insects such as beetles, ants, orthopterans, and spiders. It forages by carefully gleaning and probing through the leaf litter on the forest floor.
The Chestnut-naped Antpitta is a highly secretive, diurnal bird, spending almost its entire life on the dark, damp forest floor, moving with a characteristic series of hops and pauses. It forages by methodically gleaning and probing the leaf litter with its bill, often flicking leaves aside to un...
The Chestnut-naped Antpitta is found along the Andean cordilleras, spanning from western Venezuela, through Colombia and Ecuador, and extending south into extreme northern Peru. Its distribution includes the Táchira, Mérida, and Trujillo states in Venezuela, all three Andean ranges in Colombia (W...
Least Concern
- The Chestnut-naped Antpitta is often referred to as the "ghost of the cloud forest" due to its remarkably secretive nature, making visual sightings extremely rare despite its relatively large size. - Its distinctive, deep hooting calls, which can carry long distances through the dense Andean fo...