Ochre-breasted Antpitta

The Ochre-breasted Antpitta occurs patchily along both slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes, inhabiting dense understory of humid montane forests typically between 1,500 and 2,500 meters, with notable populations near Mindo and on the slopes of Sumaco Volcano. It is generally rare and elusive, foraging alone or in pairs in mossy ravines and bamboo thickets, and often overlooked due to its quiet habits and cryptic plumage. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, though its fragmented distribution and sensitivity to habitat loss make it a conservation priority in Ecuador. Natural history observations reveal a terrestrial insectivorous diet and a preference for low, dense vegetation, with recent studies documenting nest structure and parental care at a few sites, though much of its breeding biology remains poorly known.