Cajamarca Antpitta
Grallaria cajamarcae
Small antpitta with a restricted range in the western Andes of northwestern Peru. Note the chestnut brown plumage and pale belly; like other antpittas, it has long legs and a short tail. Inhabits the understory of high elevation forest, and can persist even in small patches as long as native vegetation remains. Mostly terrestrial, but sometimes comes up a bit higher, especially when singing. Gives a series of five to eight clear whistles and a long trill that rises abruptly near the end. Formerly considered to be a subspecies of what used to be called Rufous Antpitta.
Taxonomy
The Cajamarca antpitta was described as a subspecies by Chapman in 1927, but a 2020 study found that its vocal characteristics, distinct plumage and mitochondrial genetic differences warrant its elevation to species. <p>The Cajamarca antpitta is named after Cajamarca, the department that contains the majority of the species' range. Its specific name, cajamarcae, is also named for the region.
- Scientific name
- Grallaria cajamarcae
- Authority
- (Chapman, 1927)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Grallariidae
- Genus
- Grallaria
Range and habitat
The Cajamarca antpitta is endemic to the north-western Peruvian Andes, and west of the Marañón River. It is only found in three departments: Cajamarca, Piura and Lambayeque. It is found at elevations of 2850–3400 m. It inhabits humid montane forests and forest edges; it prefers the understory and forest floor. It is most commonly seen near the city of Cajamarca, the capital of the Cajamarca region and can also be found in the Pagaibamba Protection Forest. <p>The Marañón and Huancabamba rivers separate the Cajamarca antpitta from the closely related Equatorial antpitta.
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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