Gray-throated Leaftosser

Sclerurus albigularis

eBird describes the Gray-throated Leaftosser like this:  Shy forest denizen, found on the ground. Rummages through leaf litter on the forest floor. Fairly small and plump, with a slightly decurved bill and short tail. Body is warm rufous-brown, which contrasts with the gray throat. Sexes alike. Difficult to see; more often heard: listen for a short series of ascending squeaky whistles, sometimes followed by a more rapid chatter.

The Birds of the World website introduces this bird with the following descriptive information:  Although widespread, the Gray-throated Leaftosser is uncommon throughout its range in the eastern Andean foothills; this species also occurs, locally, in adjacent Amazonia. Exclusively ground foragers, they flip over leaves with their bill in search of insects and other invertebrates. They do not join mixed species flocks, but occasionally are seen in family groups. Compared to other species of leaftossers, Gray-throated is fairly large, and the gray throat sharply contrasting the rufous breast distinguishes this species from other Sclerurus within its range. Their song is a high, rolling series of 3-6 squeakily ascending notes, sometimes ending in a quiet trill. Like other leaftossers, the nest of the Gray-throated Leaftosser is a burrow in a vertical bank, ending in a leaf-lined cup.

I met, and photographed, my first Gray-throated Leaftosser on the morning of Monday, February 12, 2023 in Costa Rica. Our birding group with Tropical Birding Tours was walking the trails at the Curi-Cancha Reserve in Monteverde when we spotted this bird on the ground of the understory, near the trail.  I was fortunate to get a photo good enough for identification in this very poor light.