Diademed Tapaculo

Overview

The diademed tapaculo is a small bird in the family Rhinocryptidae, currently assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN. It is a distinct species found within the montane regions of South America.

Identification

• Males feature a silvery forecrown and supercilium set off by a black mask, while females have a smaller and duller diadem.
• Upper parts are dark grey washed with brown, and underparts are grey, lighter at the front and darker towards the rear.
• The rump, flanks, and vent are orange-red with dusky bars.
• The song consists of a trill with varying intensity, pitch, and pace lasting up to 15 seconds, while the scold call is a series of soft notes lasting about a second.

Habitat

The species ranges from the Cordillera Vilcanota in Peru's Cuzco Department southeast to Bolivia's Cochabamba Department. It inhabits the bamboo and dense undergrowth of humid montane forests near the tree line at elevations between 2,800 and 3,400 metres.

Diet

It forages on and near the ground for insects, moving quickly to glean from moss and vegetation and probe mossy branches.

Did you know?

The one nest described for this species is constructed as a ball of moss and lichens.