Large-footed Tapaculo

Overview

The large-footed tapaculo (Scytalopus macropus) is a monotypic bird species endemic to Peru and the largest member of the genus Scytalopus. It is currently assessed as being of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Size: Approximately 14 cm (5.5 in) long, with males weighing 36 to 43 g and females around 32 g.
• Plumage: Adults are uniformly very dark gray; juveniles are paler with upperparts tipped in dark brown and underparts tipped in buff or off-white.
• Song: A monotonous series of notes usually terminating with a different, normally higher note.

Habitat

Restricted to the central Andes of Peru, ranging from the southern Amazonas Department to Junín Department. It primarily inhabits mossy undergrowth along streams in elfin forest and cloud forest at elevations between 2,400 and 3,500 m.

Did you know?

Despite being the largest species in its genus, it remains very poorly known and occurs in only one protected area.