Diamantina Tapaculo

Overview

The Diamantina tapaculo (Scytalopus diamantinensis) is an endangered bird species in the family Rhinocryptidae. It is endemic to the Chapada Diamantina region in northeastern Brazil and was first described as a new species in 2007.

Identification

• Approximately 10 to 11 cm long and weighing around 15 g.
• Adult males have dark gray upperparts and paler gray underparts, while females are browner.
• Distinguished from similar species by buff flanks with dark bars.
• Song consists of a simple note quickly repeated for over a minute, accompanied by a unique single 'tcheep' call.

Habitat

Restricted to the Chapada Diamantina in Bahia, Brazil, where it inhabits dense forest patches within a landscape dominated by campo rupestre grassland and rocky outcrops. It occurs at elevations between 850 and 1,600 m.

Did you know?

The species is classified as Endangered due to its very small range with fewer than five locations and ongoing habitat loss to coffee and banana plantations.