Dusky Tapaculo

Overview

The dusky tapaculo (Scytalopus fuscus) is a small bird in the family Rhinocryptidae, endemic to central Chile. Although currently assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN, its habitat has been largely destroyed and remains strongly fragmented.

Identification

• Size: Approximately 11 cm (4.3 in) in length.
• Plumage: Essentially grey all over, darker above and lighter below.
• Markings: The lower back and rump have a brown wash; flanks may be pale tawny brown with black bars.
• Song: A repeated short rising trill.

Habitat

Found exclusively in central Chile, ranging from the southern Atacama Region to the Biobío Region at elevations between sea level and 800 m (2,600 ft). It inhabits the bottoms of densely vegetated valleys.

Did you know?

Little is known about its breeding, but one recorded nest was a globe constructed of root fibers and moss with a horse hair lining, situated at the end of a 0.6 m (2.0 ft) tunnel.