Ancash Tapaculo

Overview

The Ancash tapaculo, Scytalopus affinis, is a species of bird in the family Rhinocryptidae endemic to Peru. It was elevated to full species status from a subspecies of the Magellanic tapaculo due to distinct vocalizations.

Identification

• Male plumage features a gray head and upper back, with dark brown upper parts, pale gray underparts, and buffy, distinctly barred flanks and vent.
• Females resemble the males but possess browner upper parts.
• Juveniles exhibit brownish-gray heads and upper backs, with olive-brown upper parts and underparts that are gray with olive-brown, dusky-barred flanks and vent.
• The song consists of a "churr" note repeated for 30 or more seconds, while the scold call is a longer, dryer "churr".

Habitat

This species inhabits tussocky high-elevation grassland and rocky areas with grass, often in or near Polylepis woodland or Gynoxys shrubs. It is found at elevations between 3,000 and 4,600 m in the departments of Ancash, La Libertad, Huánuco, and Lima, Peru.

Diet

Little is known about the diet and foraging phenology of the Ancash tapaculo, though the species is assumed to be insectivorous.

Did you know?

The Ancash tapaculo was originally classified as a subspecies of the Magellanic tapaculo, named Scytalopus magellanicus affinis, but was later separated based on differences in their vocalizations.