Rufous-vented Tapaculo

Overview

The rufous-vented tapaculo (Scytalopus femoralis) is a small passerine bird in the family Rhinocryptidae. It is endemic to Peru and currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• Length of 12.5 cm with males weighing 21–28 g and females 20–24 g.
• Dark brown head and back with a dark reddish brown rump.
• Pale gray throat, breast, and belly contrasting with cinnamon flanks and vent area marked by broad dark bars.
• Song consists of a single descending note repeated for several minutes.

Habitat

Found in the central Andes of Peru, ranging from southern Amazonas to Junín. It inhabits the undergrowth of both primary and secondary humid forest, typically between 1,000 and 2,050 m elevation, though usually found above 1,600 m.

Did you know?

Four species previously considered subspecies of the rufous-vented tapaculo are now recognised as distinct species, including the Santa Marta, long-tailed, white-crowned, and Bolivian tapaculos.