Tachira Antpitta

Grallaria chthonia

Enigmatic large antpitta found only in southern Táchira, Venezuela. A “lost species” for many years until recently rediscovered there. Visually very similar to Scaled Antpitta, which apparently replaces this species at lower elevations, but with less ochraceous underparts that have fine black barring. Voice apparently also differs slightly from Scaled Antpitta, but no published descriptions.

Identification

The Táchira antpitta reaches a length of 17 cm. Its upperparts are brownish. Crown and nape are coloured grey. The mantle has black barrings. Throat and ear coverts are brown. It is further characterised by a white malar stripe. The lower belly is whitish, the flanks and the breast have grey barrings.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Grallaria chthonia
Authority
Wetmore & Phelps, WH Jr, 1956
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Grallariidae
Genus
Grallaria

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

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