Oxapampa Antpitta
Grallaria centralis
Medium-sized antpitta described to science in 2020. It inhabits high elevation cloud forest along the east slope of the Andes in central Peru. Plumage is mostly chestnut brown with a pale patch on the belly. It does not show a distinct eyering or any gray in the crown, which helps to separate it from similar antpittas in the region. Voice is also very useful; songs include a single whistle repeated every four to five seconds as well as a quick, descending series. Usually stays low inside tangles where it is hard to see.
Taxonomy
The Oxapampa antpitta was described as a new species based on differences in plumage color, vocalizations and mitochondrial genetic evidence. The birds in the Oxapampa antpitta's range were formerly ascribed to G. blakei.<p>The common name reflects the Oxapampa province where specimens of the species were first collected. The specific name, centralis, reflects its range's proximity to the geographic center of Peru.
- Scientific name
- Grallaria centralis
- Authority
- Hosner, Robbins, Isler, ML & Chesser, 2020
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Grallariidae
- Genus
- Grallaria
Range and habitat
The Oxapampa antpitta is endemic to the eastern slope of the Peruvian Andes in the provinces of Huánaco, Pasco and Junín. They inhabit humid montane forest and frequent the understory and forest floor.<p>They are separated from the closely related Ayacucho antpitta by the Mantaro river.
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Selasphorus flammula
Male throat varies from steely grayish-purple to bright magenta; note short straight bill and rufous in tail. Female similar to Scintillant Hummingbird but with dark central tail feathers. Small hummingbird that feeds on small flowers in gardens, second growth, and forest edges, mostly above 2000m.
Red-fronted Coua
Coua reynaudii
Dark, long-tailed, long-legged understory bird. When seen well, the dark-green back, red cap, and blue facial skin are distinctive and beautiful. Very shy and skulking; usually found in the densest tangles of the understory of eastern rainforest. The most common calls are an incredibly long, dry rattle, and a loud single “keeeeow”. Slightly smaller than Red-breasted Coua, with red on the cap rather than the breast. Much longer-tailed than forest-dwelling rails.
Parker's Spinetail
Cranioleuca vulpecula
Rusty above with pale brown underparts, a whitish throat, and a long spiky tail. Occurs on shrubby river islands favoring early successional vegetation. Song is an accelerating and descending series of “tew” notes, ending in a trill. The rather similar Rusty-backed Spinetail has buffy underparts, a less distinct eyebrow, and a different song, and occurs in seasonally flooded forests and gallery forests.
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