Rock Tapaculo

Overview

The rock tapaculo, also known as the Espinhaço tapaculo, is a species of bird in the family Rhinocryptidae. It is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, though its taxonomy is described as extremely complex.

Identification

• Closely resembles the Diamantina tapaculo and Planalto tapaculo in appearance and voice.
• Distinguished from similar species primarily by song rather than call.

Habitat

This bird is endemic to altitudes of 900–2,100 metres in the central and southern Espinhaço Mountains and the Mantiqueira Mountains in Minas Gerais, Brazil, potentially extending into adjacent parts of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. It inhabits shrubby and grassy areas in rocky regions, as well as elfin and cloud forests.

Did you know?

The taxonomy of this species is so contentious that the relatively dark population of the Serra do Mar region was at one point named S. notorius specifically to illustrate its problematic taxonomic history.