Jocotoco Antpitta (Grallaria ridgelyi) – Endemic to Ecuador

Appearance

• Head: The Jocotoco Antpitta has a distinctive appearance with a dark brown head and a prominent white crescent behind each eye, giving it a somewhat spectacled look.
• Body: The body is primarily dark brown with a white throat and upper chest. The belly and flanks are brown with fine white streaks. The legs are long and sturdy, adapted for life on the forest floor.
• Size: This antpitta is relatively large for its family, measuring about 30 centimeters (12 inches) in length.

Habitat

• The Jocotoco Antpitta is found exclusively in the montane forests of southern Ecuador, particularly in the provinces of Loja and Zamora-Chinchipe. It inhabits dense, humid forests at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 2,400 meters (6,600 to 7,900 feet).
• These birds prefer areas with thick undergrowth and plenty of leaf litter, where they can forage for their food.

Diet

• The diet of the Jocotoco Antpitta consists mainly of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, which they find by foraging through the leaf litter on the forest floor.
• They are known to consume small amphibians and lizards occasionally, adding to their varied diet.

Behavior

• Jocotoco Antpittas are typically solitary or found in pairs. They are known for their secretive nature and are often difficult to spot as they move quietly through the dense undergrowth.
• These birds have a distinctive hopping gait and use their strong legs to sift through the leaf litter in search of food.

Vocalizations

• The vocalizations of the Jocotoco Antpitta include a series of deep, resonant hoots and whistles, which they use to communicate across their dense forest habitat. Their calls are often heard long before the birds are seen.