Pale-billed Antpitta Grallaria carrikeri Scientific name definitions

High on the ‘wish list’ of many Neotropical birders is an encounter with the comparatively recently described Pale-billed Antpitta. This antpitta is a stunning, uncommon and difficult-to-see Peruvian endemic, which is found only in the north  central Andes at 2350-2900 m. Aside from the unusual ivory-colored bill and red irides, the Pale-billed Antpitta has a black face and throat, very dark brown crown and back, becoming dark chestnut over the wings and tail, and slate gray underparts. The song is a six-note series of low hoots. It prefers areas occupied by dense stands of Chusquea bamboo. The species’ diet is highly fixed on arthropods, although its foraging behavior has yet to be documented. Despite its rarity, a single nest of the species has been found; this was described as a shallow cup of sticks and decaying leaves placed on a fallen tree trunk. Its scientific name pays homage to the achievements of one of the most outstanding collectors of Neotropical birds, and their mallophaga, Mel Carriker.