Antpittas

Antpittas, small birds within the family Grallariidae, hail from the subtropical and tropical regions of Central and South America. These birds, measuring 10 to 20 centimeters in length, were previously grouped with Formicariidae but have been reassigned to their own family following molecular genetic studies. With 68 species across five genera, antpittas are characterized by their preference for forested habitats where they forage close to the ground, often consuming ants. They have a subdued color palette, typically exhibiting brown, black, and white tones. Adapted for a ground-dwelling lifestyle, they have long, powerful legs for an upright stance and very short tails. These birds don't exhibit sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females look alike, and their vocalizations are distinctive if occasionally unbirdlike. Antpittas lay between one and six eggs, with both parents sharing incubation duties. Their taxonomy has been refined by recent studies, and their classification includes the genera Grallaria, Cryptopezus, Hylopezus, Myrmothera, and Grallaricula.