Rufous-crowned Antpitta

About the Rufous-crowned Antpitta

The rufous-crowned antpitta or rufous-crowned pittasoma (Pittasoma rufopileatum) is a species of bird in the gnateater family, Conopophagidae. It is found in Colombia and Ecuador. The position of the two species in genus Pittasoma in linear format is unsettled. The International Ornithological Committee (IOC) and the Clements taxonomy place them differently within the gnateater family. Three subspecies of rufous-crowned antpitta are recognized, the nominate Pittasoma rufopileatum rufopileatum, P. r. rosenbergi, and P. r. harterti. It has been suggested that harterti should be merged into the nominate subspecies.

The rufous-crowned antpitta is 15 to 18 cm (5.9 to 7.1 in) long. One male specimen weighed 96 g (3.4 oz) and a female 97 g (3.4 oz). In body shape it resembles the "true" antpittas of family Grallariidae. The nominate male's crown is bright rufous with a bold black band below it. Its face is yellowish. The upper parts of the body are olive brown with a scaly appearance. The wings are brownish and have small white spots. The throat and crissum (the area around the cloaca) are buffy and the flanks a yellowish buff. Wavy black barring... Wikipedia →