Plain-backed Antpitta

Grallaria haplonota

Antpittas · Passeriformes · Rare

The Plain-backed Antpitta (Grallaria haplonota) is a rare antpitta found in 4 countries, weighing about 85 g. The plain-backed antpitta is a species of bird in the family Grallariidae.

Least ConcernRareEats invertebratesforestcup nest85 g

About the Plain-backed Antpitta

The plain-backed antpitta is a species of bird in the family Grallariidae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

How to identify it

Grallaria antpittas are a "wonderful group of plump and round antbirds whose feathers are often fluffed up...they have stout bills very short tails". The plain-backed antpitta is 16 to 17 cm (6.3 to 6.7 in) long and weighs 75 to 90 g (2.6 to 3.2 oz). The sexes have the same plumage. Adults of the nominate subspecies G. h. haplonota have a pale buff "moustache" with a dusky stripe below it on an otherwise brown face. Their upperparts are brown with a gray tinge on their crown; their tail is dark rufescent. Voice: The plain-backed antpitta sings from the ground or a low perch. Its song has been described as "a slow, measured of ca. 5-9 low, hollow notes rising slightly in middle" and as "a fairly slow, slightly decelerating, rising-falling, loudest at the highest pitch, series of hooted notes".

What the Plain-backed Antpitta sounds like

Recording: Niels Krabbe · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: Niels Krabbe · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: Niels Krabbe · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto

Where it lives

When to see it

The Plain-backed Antpitta can be seen all year round, with peak activity in January. It is a resident species across most of its range.

Easily confused with

Quick questions

How do you identify a Plain-backed Antpitta?
Grallaria antpittas are a "wonderful group of plump and round antbirds whose feathers are often fluffed up...they have stout bills very short tails". Full identification notes are on this page.
How big is a Plain-backed Antpitta?
The Plain-backed Antpitta is a medium sized bird weighing about 85 g.
Where can you see a Plain-backed Antpitta?
The Plain-backed Antpitta occurs in 4 countries, including Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela and Peru.
What does a Plain-backed Antpitta sound like?
You can listen to 3 field recordings of the Plain-backed Antpitta on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
What birds look similar to a Plain-backed Antpitta?
The Plain-backed Antpitta is most easily confused with the Bicolored Antpitta, the Brown-banded Antpitta and the Moustached Antpitta.
Is the Plain-backed Antpitta endangered?
The Plain-backed Antpitta is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Learn the Plain-backed Antpitta for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

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