Paramillo Tapaculo

Overview

The Paramillo tapaculo (Scytalopus canus) is a species of bird in the family Rhinocryptidae that is endemic to Colombia. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the Paramo tapaculo but was split into a separate species in 2010 due to vocal differences.

Identification

• Overall dark grey plumage.
• Lacks the brown lower flanks seen in the similar Paramo tapaculo.

Habitat

Found in humid highland scrub in the Cordillera Occidental of Colombia, specifically restricted to a narrow swath of treeline vegetation consisting of scrub, stunted trees, and Polylepis woodland between montane forest and páramo grasslands. It is currently known from Páramo de Paramillo and Páramo de Frontino, though it may occur elsewhere in the region.

Did you know?

The estimated area of suitable habitat within its known range is only 3 km², with just 0.1 km² effectively protected by the Fundación ProAves Colibri del Sol Bird Reserve.