Equatorial Antpitta

About the Equatorial Antpitta

The equatorial antpitta (Grallaria saturata) is a species of bird in the family Grallariidae. It is found is Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The equatorial antpitta has a complicated taxonomic history. It was originally described in 1918 as the subspecies G. rufula saturata of the rufous antpitta. It later lost its separate identity by being merged into G. rufula. However, a study published in 2020 resurrected the synonymized subspecies and promoted it to species rank using genetic evidence and analysis of vocalizations. Another 2020 publication confirmed its placement in the rufous antpitta complex. The International Ornithological Committee and the Clements taxonomy recognized its promotion in 2021. As of early 2024 BirdLife International's Handbook of the Birds of the World (HBW) had not recognized it as a species or subspecies.

The equatorial antpitta is named for its distribution that roughly centers on the Equator. The equatorial antpitta is monotypic. Grallaria antpittas are a "wonderful group of plump and round antbirds whose feathers are often fluffed up...they have stout bills [and] very short tails". The equatorial antpitta is... Wikipedia →