Slaty Bristlefront

Overview

The slaty bristlefront (Merulaxis ater) is a Neotropical bird in the family Rhinocryptidae, commonly known as tapaculos. It is endemic to south-east Brazil and is currently assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Males are mostly dark blue gray with a dark brown lower back, while flanks, vent, and tail are black.
• Females are various shades of brown, appearing lighter on the throat and breast.
• Both sexes possess a crest of short, stiff feathers that stand erect at the base of the bill and forehead.
• The species measures 18.5 cm in length, with males weighing approximately 37.2 g and females 33 g.

Habitat

Found in a narrow band near the Atlantic coast of south-eastern Brazil, from Espírito Santo to Santa Catarina, it inhabits humid forests in both lowlands and mountains. Its typical elevation range is 400 m to 1,800 m, though it may occur as low as 100 m in some locations.

Diet

Little is known about the diet of the slaty bristlefront. It forages on the ground and in low vegetation, typically in pairs that are not close together.

Did you know?

Its song begins with a series of clicks followed by a trill described as 'hysterical laughter'. Other calls include sounds such as 'tsewk-tsewk, pit', 'keekick', and 'he-he-heeheeheehee'.