Santa Marta Tapaculo

Overview

The Santa Marta tapaculo is a small bird in the family Rhinocryptidae that is endemic to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Colombia. Classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN, it was formerly considered a subspecies of the rufous-vented tapaculo before being elevated to full species status based on vocal differences.

Identification

• Measures approximately 11 cm in length, with males featuring a medium gray head and back, a paler gray throat and breast, and a distinct white patch on the crown.
• Females exhibit a brown wash on the upper parts and lack a prominent white crown patch, appearing paler than males below.
• The rump is tawny with black bars, while the flanks and crissum are rusty with similar black barring.
• Emits a rapid trill as a song lasting up to 15 seconds and produces a repeated sharp squeak as a call.

Habitat

Found exclusively in the isolated Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in northeast Colombia, the species inhabits the dense undergrowth of humid montane forests. It occupies elevations ranging between 900 and 1,700 m.

Did you know?

This species was distinguished from the rufous-vented tapaculo and raised to full species status primarily because of differences in their vocalizations. Although its specific diet remains unrecorded, it is known to be terrestrial, consistent with the habits of most tapaculos.