Variegated Antpitta
Grallaria varia
The Variegated Antpitta (Grallaria varia) is a rare antpitta found in 8 countries, weighing about 119 g. The variegated antpitta is a species of bird in the family Grallariidae.
About the Variegated Antpitta
The variegated antpitta is a species of bird in the family Grallariidae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, the Guianas, Paraguay, 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 variegated antpitta is the largest member of its genus that occurs in the lowlands; it is 16 to 20.5 cm (6.3 to 8.1 in) long and weighs 90 to 135 g (3.2 to 4.8 oz). The sexes have the same plumage. Adults of the nominate subspecies G. v. varia have a dark olive forecrown; they have a slate gray crown and nape whose feathers have black tips and pale shafts. Voice: The song of the G. v. imperator variegated antpitta consists of a series of 11–14 notes, beginning with four to six long notes, increasing in volume, then rising slightly in pitch and pace to a series of six to eight loud, shorter notes, with the last note weaker.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Peru.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Variegated 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 Variegated Antpitta?
- The Variegated Antpitta is a medium sized bird weighing about 119 g.
- Where can you see a Variegated Antpitta?
- The Variegated Antpitta occurs in 8 countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Suriname and French Guiana.
- What birds look similar to a Variegated Antpitta?
- The Variegated Antpitta is most easily confused with the White-bellied Antpitta, the Yellow-breasted Antpitta and the Undulated Antpitta.
- Is the Variegated Antpitta endangered?
- The Variegated Antpitta is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Variegated Antpitta for real
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