Crescent-faced Antpitta Southern Ecuador Tour 2026

The area of this anthill on the map looks like a series of separate points along the eastern slopes of the Andes at an altitude of 2,900-3400m, from central Colombia to southern Ecuador. The word «pittulya» refers to the small size of this bird, it is slightly larger than the Andean pittulya, its calf is denser and rounder. The Grallaricula sits on the ground less often than other antpitt. Specifically, the bird I photographed jumped on the branches and did not drop below two meters. For me, this pitt ant-catcher turned out to be the most «sporty»: out of my ten ant-pits, eight of which just came to feed, only this one had to lure for a very long time. 

Field Experience in Cerro Acacana:

First we walked on the mountain road for 15 minutes and just tried to hear it, then when it got a little closer, we descended 5-10 meters down a very steep slope into a thick slope. In order to get the bird close at a distance that allows to take a photo among thick vegetation, our guide Pablo used all his skills, taking about 45 minutes. 

Challenges in Observation:
It was after heavy rains, it was wet and slippery, I was slowly moving down the slippery ground all the time, so I resisted, but at the same time tried not to make noise, as a result my legs began to leak. The place, well, the one I was sitting, certainly got wet, which added an additional impression of this ride. But in the end, when this pittula was removed, I was over the moon with joy.