Kingdom Animalia Genus Grallaria Phylum Chordata Rank Species | Family Grallariidae Scientific name Grallaria ruficapilla Higher classification Grallaria Order Passerine | |
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Similar Antpitta, Grallaria, Bird, Chestnut‑naped antpitta, Tawny antpitta | ||
The chestnut-crowned antpitta (Grallaria ruficapilla) is a species of bird in the Grallariidae family. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montane forests and heavily degraded former forest, which it has a much greater tolerance for than most antpittas. Usually this bird lives at elevations of 1,900 to 3,100 m.
It is mid-sized for an antpitta, averaging 18.5 cm (7.35 in) long. It has an orange-rufous head and nape. The back is olive brown and the throat is white. The belly is white overlaid with black-brown streaking, mainly on the sides and the flanks. The legs are gray-blue. This combination of field marks renders this species fairly distinctive when seen.
Though shy and secretive like all Grallaria to some extent, this species hops into the open reasonably often, though rarely far from cover. Most often they range into open areas at or soon after dawn. In some areas, this species has become habituated to being fed worms, and in exchange can be watched by birdwatchers. The frequently heard song is often delivered from a slightly elevated perch and is loud, distinctive repeated "wheuu".