Undulated Antpitta
Grallaria squamigera
Large antpitta of the temperate zone in the Andes from Venezuela to Bolivia. Typical antpitta shape: plump with short tail and long legs. Size alone helps separate from most other antpittas, as does boldly scalloped underparts. Often occurs at higher elevations than other antpittas of similar size such as Giant and Great, but plenty of overlap; note Undulated’s slaty gray (not brown) back and dark mustache stripe. Like most antpittas, very difficult to see; occasionally hops along a forest trail, especially in the morning and evening. Listen for its fast, hollow-sounding triling song.
Identification
The undulated antpitta has dark brown upperparts with a gray crown and nape. The throat and moustachial region are white, separated by a black malar line. The underparts are orange to buffy with heavy barring.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Grallaria squamigera
- Authority
- Prévost & des Murs, 1842
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Grallariidae
- Genus
- Grallaria
Range and habitat
The undulated antpitta occurs in Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela. It inhabits subtropical to tropical montane forests, including Polylepis woodlands, and is often associated with Chusquea bamboo thickets.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Grassland Yellow-Finch
Sicalis luteola
Small yellowish bird, very local in tropical savannas and open grassland with scattered bushes and palmetto shrubs. Usually in groups, sometimes in fairly big flocks. Feeds mainly in grasses, eating seeds, and comes to drink at small pools; often perches on roadside fences. Note the rather stubby gray bill, yellow face and underparts, and streaked back. There are no especially similar species in Mexico and Central America, but several in South America.
Tawny-browed Owl
Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana
Large brown owl with dark eyes and distinctive white semicircles on its face. Streaked below with distinctive pale white bars. Found mainly in open woodland, especially with Araucaria trees. The song is a deep and low “uh-uh-uh–prupruprrrr.”
Tricolored Parrotfinch
Erythrura tricolor
A small blue finch with conspicuous red tail and an emerald-green back. Females duller, with green extending to nape. Juveniles dull green, with gray head and pale bill, but still show red tail. Singles, pairs, or flocks feed on or near the ground in forests, open woodlands, and thickets within the lowlands and mountains. An undescribed parrotfinch has been documented on Mount Mutis in Timor; Tricolored differs from it in lacking red on the face. Calls include soft, high-pitched “seet” and “sit” notes.
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