Gray-naped Antpitta

Uncommon and secretive but reasonably vocal; the more findable of the two Venezuelan endemic Grallaria. Locally fairly common at the right high-elevation cloud-forest/treeline sites, though still skulking.

Plump, long-legged, short-billed, very short-tailed antpitta. Dark brown crown and upperparts with a distinctive gray nape patch and gray eyeline/face contrast; deep rufous-chestnut underparts and flanks. The gray nape against rich rufous underparts is the clincher.

Floor and dense undergrowth of humid, mossy upper montane forest near treeline; favors forest edge, regenerating treefalls and landslide scars. Mostly 2,300–2,800 m (records ~1,800–3,000 m). Replaces Chestnut-crowned Antpitta at higher elevations.

Terrestrial and skulking; hops on the ground and through mossy tangles, often near edges and slips/landslide scars. Sings persistently at dawn, somewhat responsive to playback at edges where a view is possible.

Song a fast, even, fairly high series/trill of notes; also gives sharp call notes. Learn it well — it is the main way to pin the bird. Recordings: search 'Grallaria griseonucha' on Xeno-canto and 'Gray-naped Antpitta' on the Macaulay Library / Merlin.

Work treeline edges, landslide scars and regenerating gaps at first light where a singing bird can hop into a viewable opening. Position clients on a clear ground-level sightline and use restrained playback; the gray nape needs a clean look to nail, so prioritize an open patch over chasing it into the moss.