Moustached Antpitta

The Moustached Antpitta occurs patchily on both slopes of the northern Ecuadorian Andes, particularly in provinces like Pichincha, Cotopaxi, and Napo, where it inhabits dense understory of humid montane forests, often on steep slopes and ravines. It is generally rare and elusive, with a fragmented distribution and limited known territories, though recent surveys suggest it may be more widespread than previously thought due to its cryptic behavior and formerly undocumented vocalizations. The species is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, with an estimated global population of 1,500 to 7,000 mature individuals and a continuing decline driven by habitat loss and fragmentation. Natural history observations highlight its terrestrial insectivorous diet—often including earthworms—and its tendency to respond to feeding stations, though its breeding biology remains poorly understood.