Grallaria erythrotis
The Rufous-faced Antpitta (*Grallaria erythrotis*) is a medium-sized, highly secretive passerine bird, measuring approximately 16 cm (6.3 inches) in length, though its weight is not well-documented due to its elusive nature. Its striking appearance is characterized by a prominent rufous face and throat, contrasting sharply with a grey crown and nape. The upperparts are a dull olive-brown, while the underparts are whitish, often with dusky streaking on the breast and flanks, and it possesses r...
This species primarily inhabits humid montane cloud forests and sub-montane evergreen forests, typically dwelling in dense undergrowth on the forest floor at elevations between 1000 and 2600 meters.
Its diet consists primarily of insects and other terrestrial invertebrates, which it forages for by hopping and gleaning from the forest floor.
The Rufous-faced Antpitta is intensely shy and largely terrestrial, moving through the leaf litter with strong hops, often perching on low branches or mossy logs. It is diurnal but rarely seen, spending most of its time foraging alone or in pairs. Foraging involves meticulously gleaning invertebr...
The Rufous-faced Antpitta is endemic to the humid montane cloud forests of the eastern Andes in South America, being a year-round resident within its specific habitat. Its distribution spans central Bolivia, including the departments of Cochabamba, La Paz, and Santa Cruz, extending north into sou...
Least Concern
- The Rufous-faced Antpitta is legendary among birders for being far more often heard than seen, a true ghost of the cloud forest. - Its striking rufous face is a unique identifier, as many other *Grallaria* antpittas are more uniformly drab. - This species is known only from the remote Yungas fo...