Behavior

Unsurprisingly, like other species of Grallaria, the behavior of Brown-banded Antpitta is poorly documented. It forages on, or close to the ground, picking prey from the ground or low foliage, often running or hopping for short distances. It generally stays in thick undergrowth but may also forage for short periods in more open areas, and will visit areas of human activity to receive food (Woods et al. 2011). Recently, Greeney (2012) suggested that the propensity of antpittas to receive food at feeding stations, along with observations of adult Brown-banded Antpittas following army ant raids (Nieto-R. and Ramírez 2006), reflects an undocumented foraging association with large terrestrial mammals (e.g., Spectacled Bear Tremarctos ornatus, Mountain Tapir Tapirus pinchaque). To date, however, this facultative means of searching for prey items in the wake of other animals has not been confirmed.

Brown-banded Antpitta  presumably is territorial, with densities in acceptable habitat estimated at 1.3 individuals/ha, and territory sizes ranging from 0.5 to 5.4 hectares (Kattan and Beltran 1999, 2002). There are no data on territorial defense, maintenance, or fidelity.

Not described; probably monogamous.

Little known. It appears that Brown-banded Antpitta occasionally may join small, understory mixed species flocks (López-Lanús et al. 2000), but occasionally has been observed attending swarms of highland army ants (Labidus sp.) (Nieto-R. and Ramírez 2006).

No information.