Grallaria centralis
The Oxapampa Antpitta (Grallaria centralis) is a medium-sized, terrestrial songbird measuring approximately 17-18 cm in length. Its plumage is characterized by a distinctive rufous crown that extends to the nape, contrasting with a greyish-brown back and wings, and an ochraceous-buff belly. A prominent blackish malar stripe, or 'whisker,' flanks its throat, serving as a key field mark alongside its unique vocalizations. Taxonomically, it belongs to the Grallariidae family and is a member of t...
This antpitta inhabits dense undergrowth of high-elevation montane cloud forests and elfin forests, typically found on steep slopes or near ridge tops. It occurs at elevations ranging from 2,300 to 3,300 meters above sea level.
Its diet consists predominantly of insects and other small invertebrates, which it forages for by gleaning from the forest floor and low vegetation.
The Oxapampa Antpitta is a highly secretive, diurnal species, spending most of its time on the humid forest floor, where it hops and walks through leaf litter. It forages primarily by gleaning invertebrates from the ground or low vegetation. Like other antpittas, it is strongly territorial, defen...
The Oxapampa Antpitta is a highly localized endemic species, found exclusively in a small region of the Andes in central Peru. Its known distribution is restricted to the montane forests of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, in the JunÃn department, and the Cordillera Yanachaga, spanning parts of the Jun...
Near Threatened
- The Oxapampa Antpitta was only formally described as a new species in 2020, making it one of the newest avian discoveries in the Neotropics. - Its scientific name, 'centralis,' directly refers to its highly restricted distribution in the central Andes of Peru. - Despite its visual similarity to...