Chestnut-crowned Antpitta

In Ecuador, the Chestnut-crowned Antpitta inhabits humid montane forests along both Andean slopes, typically between 1,700 and 3,100 meters elevation, where it favors dense understory with moss, leaf litter, and fallen logs. Though shy and elusive, it is locally common and often detected by its loud, whistled song at dawn, occasionally venturing into the open near forest trails or clearings. The species is classified as Least Concern, though its population is suspected to be slowly declining due to habitat loss from agriculture and infrastructure development. As a terrestrial insectivore, it forages alone or in pairs, hopping methodically through the undergrowth in search of worms and arthropods, and has even become habituated to being fed by birdwatchers in some areas.