Paramo Tapaculo

Overview

The Paramo tapaculo (Scytalopus opacus) is a small bird in the family Rhinocryptidae, found in the Andes of Ecuador and southern Colombia. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, with a stable population across a range spanning approximately 188,000 km².

Identification

• Males are very dark gray above with medium to dark gray underparts, while females are brown above with pale to medium gray underparts.
• Both sexes feature tawny to dark brown flanks and vent areas, with darker barring on the male's flanks and vent.
• Juveniles are highly variable but generally exhibit brown and barred plumage above and gray or buff below.
• Approximately 10.5 cm in length, males weigh between 13.9 and 17.9 g, and females between 13.4 and 16 g.

Habitat

Ranging across the central Andes from southern Colombia to south-central Ecuador, the species typically inhabits shrub and scrublands at or above treeline. It may also be found in Polylepis woodland and high-elevation humid forest, usually at elevations between 3,050 and 4,000 m, and is believed to be sedentary.

Diet

The Paramo tapaculo forages on and near the ground, feeding primarily on small arthropods and occasionally on berries.

Did you know?

Despite originally being described as a subspecies of the Magellanic tapaculo and later the paramillo tapaculo, it was elevated to full species status after research demonstrated that its vocalisations are very different from those of its former relatives.