Rufous Antpitta (Grallaria rufula)

Identification & Behavior: ~14.5 cm (6 in). The plumage of the Rufous Antpitta varies from rufous to near olive and tawny across the species geographic range. It consistently shows a pale crescent behind the eye. It is very similar to Chestnut Antpitta with which it overlaps in Central Peru but is distinguished by having a pale crescent behind the eye, by the lack of gray-barred center of the belly, by ranging at higher elevations, and by voice. Also, see Bay Antpitta.

Status: The Rufous Antpitta is common and widespread generally at elevations between 2500 – 3700 m. This Antpitta occurs throughout the east slope of the Andes and also on the west slope south to Cajamarca. It also occurs in Co, Ec, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Tororoi Rufo.

Sub-species: Rufous Antpitta (Grallaria rufula rufula) Lafresnaye, 1843. Andes of Ecuador S to extreme N Peru.
(G. r. cajamarcae) (Chapman), 1927.  W Andes of Peru in S Cajamarca.
(G. r. obscura) Berlepsch and Stolzmann, 1896. C Andes of Peru (S to Junín).
(G. r. occabambae) (Chapman), 1923.  SE Peru (Cuzco) SE to W Bolivia (W La Paz).

Meaning of Name: Grallaria: L. grallarius, grallae= one walking on stilts. rufula: L. rufulus= reddish.

See more of the Family Grallariidae