Grallariidae

Grallariidae is a family of passerine birds that comprises the true antpittas. Long treated as part of Formicariidae, they are now recognized as a distinct lineage that includes several genera, notably Grallaria, Grallaricula, and Hylopezus. The family contains around 50 species distributed across the Neotropics.

These birds inhabit forests and woodland, ranging from tropical lowlands to montane zones, with the greatest diversity in the Andean region and in the Atlantic and Pacific cloud forests of Central and South America. They are typically ground-dwelling or mid-level foragers, often showing cryptic brown or grey plumage with streaks or bars that aid in concealment among leaf litter and undergrowth. Their bills are stout and their legs relatively strong, adaptations for foraging on the forest floor.

Grallariids are generally shy and elusive, moving slowly as they search the leaf litter for invertebrates such as insects, larvae, and other small prey; some species also consume fruit. Their vocalizations are an important aspect of their biology, with melodic songs and duets used for territory defense and mate communication.

Nesting sites are usually close to or on the ground, with cup-shaped nests built among leaf litter, ferns, or low shrubs. Clutch size is typically small, often one to two eggs, and both parents may participate in incubation and feeding.

Conservation concerns for the family arise from habitat loss and fragmentation, particularly in montane and cloud-forest regions. While some species are relatively secure, others are narrowly distributed and face ongoing threats, underscoring the importance of forest protection and habitat restoration for Grallariidae.