Scallop-breasted Antpitta

Locally fairly common in suitable cloud forest despite an older 'rare' reputation; range-restricted to the Coastal Cordillera so still a sought-after endemic. Heard far more than seen; needs patient playback and a sharp eye on understory perches.

Tiny, plump, almost tailless antpitta, ~11 cm. Chestnut-rufous crown with sparse black streaks, buff-yellow chin and throat, and a diagnostic 'maize-yellow' breast marked by a strong scalloped pattern of olive bases and black feather edges - the namesake field mark. Olive-brown upperparts, pale eyering.

Understory of humid montane cloud forest, occasionally adjacent secondary forest, roughly 1,440-2,100 m.

Perch-and-pounce understory feeder; sits quietly on low horizontal branches and saplings, often near eye level, sallying to the ground or foliage. Pairs forage together giving soft nasal contact notes. Easily passed over when motionless.

Most diagnostic call a melancholy, slightly descending 'shiiiuu' note repeated 3-5 times; males give a longer version, both sexes give soft nasal contact notes while foraging. Recordings on Xeno-canto and Macaulay Library under 'Grallaricula loricata' (eBird code scbant2).

Work the lower understory at eye level rather than scanning the ground - this species perches. Use the distinctive descending whistle for playback, then freeze and let clients pick out the still bird; it often sits remarkably close once it answers.