Rufous-breasted Antthrush

The Rufous-breasted Antthrush occurs patchily along both slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes, with subspecies F. r. carrikeri found in western provinces like El Oro and Loja, and F. r. thoracicus in eastern montane forests extending south to Peru. It is generally rare and elusive, favoring humid to wet primary forest and mature secondary growth between 1,100 and 2,000 meters, especially in steep ravines and dense understory. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, though its fragmented distribution and sensitivity to habitat degradation warrant monitoring. Natural history observations highlight its terrestrial, insectivorous habits, cryptic plumage, and piercing two-parted whistle, with much of its breeding biology still poorly understood.