Birding in Peru V: Kingdom of Antpittas
Unmistakable Physique
Antpittas, or Grallariidae, are a family of small suboscine passerine birds native to South America. These forest-dwelling birds are often found feeding on the ground, with many species being specialist ant eaters. Antpittas spend more time walking than flying. Their drab plumage, typically rusty brown, black, and white, along with long, powerful legs and vestigial tails that help them maintain an upright posture, are all adaptations to their habitat.
Endemic Peruvian Antpittas
Among the 47 species in the genus Grallaria, Peru is the sole home to 13, making it a prime hotspot for antpitta birdwatching. The species endemic to Peru include:
- Pale-billed Antpitta (Grallaria palebill)
- Red-and-white Antpitta (Grallaria erythroleuca)
- Rusty-tinged Antpitta (Grallaria ruficapilla)
- Cajamarca Antpitta (Grallaria cajamarcae)
- Chachapoyas Antpitta (Grallaria chachapoyensis)
- Panao Antpitta (Grallaria panaoensis)
- JunÃn Antpitta (Grallaria junninensis)
- Urubamba Antpitta (Grallaria urubambensis)
- Puno Antpitta (Grallaria punoensis)
- Oxapampa Antpitta (Grallaria oxapampensis)
- Chestnut Antpitta (Grallaria ruficapillus)
- Ayacucho Antpitta (Grallaria ayacuchensis)
- Atuen Antpitta (Grallaria atuenensis)
Undulated Antpitta: a Visitor to Birds Hotel Molino
Antpittas are known for their elusive nature, often inhabiting dense, hard-to-reach underbrush, making them a challenge for birdwatchers. Some species, however, display more curious behaviors. The Undulated Antpitta is a great example, frequently visiting the Birds Hotel Molino gardens, sometimes coming as close as half a meter to the buildings before hopping back into the foliage when humans approach. The Undulated Antpitta is the largest of its genus in the high Andes, measuring 20 to 24 cm (7.9 to 9.4 in) and weighing 112 to 174 g (4.0 to 6.1 oz). Its ashy brown upperparts and yellowish underparts with wavy black bars make it one of the most striking antpittas in the region.
Conservation Challenges
Unfortunately, antpittas face significant conservation challenges. Approximately a quarter of species are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. This includes 2 critically endangered, 2 endangered, 4 vulnerable, and 3 near-threatened species. Some remain unclassified but are likely at risk due to their small and restricted ranges. Habitat destruction, deforestation, and climate change continue to threaten their survival, making conservation efforts crucial for their protection and the preservation of their ecosystems.
Source: Wikipedia
