Bay Antpitta
Grallaria capitalis
Dark antpitta found in cloud forest along the east slope of the Andes in central Peru. Much of its range is remote and rarely visited by birders. Adult is similar to both Chestnut Antpitta and Rufous Antpitta, but note the larger size, gray crown, thin eye-ring, unbarred belly patch, and voice. The rarely-seen juvenile is even darker with buff and gray barring and a spotted crown. Inhabits forest understory, especially where there is abundant bamboo. Stays on the ground when not singing and usually very tough to see. Song is a quick series that consists of a short note followed by two to five slightly lower notes.
Identification
The bay antpitta (Grallaria capitalis) is a species of bird in the family Grallariidae. It is endemic to Peru.
Taxonomy
Genus: Grallaria; Family: Grallariidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Grallaria capitalis
- Authority
- Chapman, 1926
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Grallariidae
- Genus
- Grallaria
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Green-backed Trogon
Trogon viridis
Often first detected by its song: a melodic series of “kua kua kua kua” notes, similar to Surucua Trogon, but faster. Perches quietly in an upright position for long periods. Males have a green back, a bluish head and breast, a yellow belly. The underside of the tail is white with dark centers. Females have a gray-brown head and breast. Their tail is similar to the male’s but also has gray horizontal bars. Found in the upper to middle levels of humid forests, at forest edges, and in lighter woodlands and second growth.
Yellow-rumped Munia
Lonchura flaviprymna
Small finchlike bird with brown wings, pale bill, and yellowish rump. Found in areas with tall grass, often in flocks beside rivers or floodplains, sometimes mixed with other seed-eating species. Pale gray head contrasts with dark brown back and wings, underparts pale buff, and rump and tail dark yellowish tone. Juvenile very plain, easily confused with juvenile Chestnut-breasted (which has less uniform upperparts) or Pictorella Munia (which has shadow pattern of dark ear coverts, recalling adult’s).
Pacific Screech-Owl
Megascops cooperi
Medium-sized owl with short ear tufts and yellow eyes. Plumage much like other screech-owls, but relatively pale and grayish overall. Fairly common in scrubby woodland and thorn forest along the edge of the Pacific Slope lowlands. Usually detected by its gruff, bouncing-ball song. No other screech-owls occur within its range and habitat.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.