Sounds and Vocal Behavior

Vocal development

Nothing is known about vocal development in Streak-chested Antpitta.

Vocal array

The loudsong and alarm call of Streak-chested Antpitta are the only vocalizations described in the literature. However, they produce a variety of other vocalizations (H.S.P., personal observation) and the vocal behavior of this species merits further study.

Loudsong - As described in Krabbe and Schulenberg (2003): "[loudsong] by male only, 2.3–2.4 seconds long, a series of 7–9 whistled notes, second loudest, first lowest (c. 1.7 kHz), the rest at c. 1.8 kHz, gradually falling slightly in pitch and volume". The loudsong is also described as having a "plaintive" tone quality (Garrigues and Dean 2007). See the sonogram below (xeno-canto.org) for a loudsong example from central Panama:

For a representative audio recording with sonogram, see audio

Alarm call - The alarm call as described by Krabbe and Schulenberg (2003): "Alarm, by both sexes, a 2.5 kHz whistled 'keeuw', immediately followed by decelerating rattle (c. 2 kHz) 2–3 seconds long." However, the introductory keeuw note often is omitted and only the rattle is heard (H.S.P., personal observation). See the sonogram below for an alarm call example (with initial keeuw note included) from Ecuador:

For a representative audio recording with sonogram, see audio

Geographic variation

Geographic variation in vocalizations has not been documented in Streak-chested Antpitta. The pitch, speed and number of syllables (e.g. range: 5-12 syllables in Panama; H.S.P., personal observation) in the loudsong can vary substantially, however, even within individuals of the same population.

Phenology

No published information is available on either seasonal phenology of vocalizations in Streak-chested Antpitta. Anecdotally, seasonal vocal activity increases at the beginning of the breeding season (i.e. the transition between the dry and wet seasons; H.S. Pollock, personal observations).

Daily pattern

Variation in daily vocal activity has not been quantified, although anecdotally, vocal activity is more pronounced at dawn and dusk (H.S. Pollock, personal observations).

Places of vocalizing

Streak-chested Antpittas typically vocalize from low perches (<2 m from the ground), including lianas and fallen logs. However, it is not uncommon for Streak-chested Antpittas to also vocalize from the leaf litter (H.S. Pollock, personal observations).  Vocalizing from the nest is rare but has been documented during incubation (Skutch 1981).

Repertoire and delivery of songs

Streak-chested Antpitta has a limited vocal repertoire (see 'Vocal array' section above). Vocalizations rates have not been quantified, although anecdotally, song rate of Streak-chested Antpitta in central Panama is between 5-8 songs minute^-1(H.S. Pollock, personal observations).

Social context and presumed function

Loudsong is generally used for territory defense or mate attraction. Alarm calls are typically produced in responses to stressful situations such as human disturbance, territorial disputes, etc. (H.S. Pollock, personal observations).

Species recognition

In central Panama, playback of Streak-chested Antpitta loudsong only attracts conspecific individuals (H.S. Pollock, personal observations).

None reported.