Grallaricula lineifrons (Chapman, 1924)

Taxonomy and Common Name

Grallaricula lineifrons, commonly known as the crescent-faced antpitta, is a species of very small Andean antpitta in the Grallaricula genus.

Genus Habitat General

Most Grallaricula antpittas are found mostly in low dense vegetation such as treefall gaps, stream edges, and bamboo thickets.

Size Measurements

The crescent-faced antpitta measures 11 to 12 cm (4.3 to 4.7 in) long and weighs 17 to 22 g (0.60 to 0.78 oz).

Plumage Sexual Dimorphism

The sexes share identical plumage.

Facial Markings

Adults have the species' namesake white crescent marking that extends from the crown through the lores and almost reaches the throat, plus a small white spot behind the eye. Their crown and nape are dark sooty gray, and their face is black.

Neck Markings

The lower end of the white crescent changes to ochraceous buff, and the species has an ochraceous buff spot on the side of the neck.

Upperparts Coloration

Their upperparts are brownish olive.

Wing and Tail Coloration

Their wings and tail are browner than their back, with whitish or light yellow-buff coloring on the leading edge of the outermost primary feather.

Throat Markings

The center of their chin and upper throat are white, with black stripes between this area and the crescent marking.

Underparts Coloration

Most of their underparts are white with a strong ochraceous buff wash and black stripes. Their sides and flanks are dull brownish olive with an ochraceous buff wash and faint dark gray stripes.

Undertail Coverts Coloration

Their undertail coverts are ochraceous buff.

Soft Part Features

Both sexes have a dark brown iris, a black bill, and vinaceous gray to blue-gray legs and feet.

Distribution Range

The crescent-faced antpitta is distributed across scattered locations: from Quindío Department in Colombia's Central Andes, south along the eastern Andean slope to Loja Province in southern Ecuador.

Habitat Characteristics

It inhabits the undergrowth of humid forest, including both cloudforest and elfin forest located near treeline, but does not extend past treeline.

Bamboo Association

It does not appear to have as close an association with bamboo as many other Grallaricula antpittas do.

Elevation Range Updates

While older publications listed its lower elevation limit as 1,800 m (5,900 ft), more recent, more detailed studies show the species occurs almost entirely above 2,900 m (9,500 ft).

Maximum Recorded Elevation

It reaches at least 3,700 m (12,100 ft) in elevation in Colombia, and at least 3,500 m (11,500 ft) in Ecuador.