Blackish Tapaculo

Overview

The blackish tapaculo (Scytalopus latrans) is a small bird in the family Rhinocryptidae found in the Andes of South America. It currently holds the conservation status of Least Concern.

Identification

• Approximately 11 cm long, with males weighing 16 to 21 g and females 14 to 20 g.
• The 'blackish' subspecies has dark to very dark grey males and dark grey females, sometimes with an olive wash.
• The 'Pacific' subspecies features black males and females that are grey with darker upper parts, lighter lower parts, and brown flanks.
• Juveniles are believed to be dull brown or brown depending on the subspecies.

Habitat

The species inhabits the understory of moist montane forests at elevations between 1,500 and 4,000 m, often associated with Chusquea bamboo and Polylepis scrub. Its range spans both slopes and interior ranges of the Andes from western Venezuela through Colombia and Ecuador to northern Peru, with the 'Pacific' subspecies found on the western slope of southwest Ecuador and northwest Peru.

Diet

The blackish tapaculo forages on and near the ground, gleaning soil, moss, foliage, and stems for small arthropods.

Did you know?

Very little is known about its breeding, but the single observed nest was globular and located in an earthen bank covered with clubmoss and ferns.