Spillmann's Tapaculo

Overview

Spillmann's tapaculo (Scytalopus spillmanni) is a species of bird in the family Formicariidae. It inhabits the Andes of Colombia and Ecuador and is assessed as being of Least Concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• Males are blackish gray above with a dark brown rump, lighter gray below, and tawny to cinnamon flanks and vent area.
• Most females have upperparts heavily washed with brown and an orange lower belly, though some resemble the male.
• Juveniles are brown above and dusky below, with barring on both sides.
• The bird measures approximately 12 cm in length.
• Its song is a 10 to 20 second trill that often increases in volume and pitch.

Habitat

This species is found in all three Andean ranges of Colombia and southern Ecuador, specifically in Cotopaxi and Morona-Santiago Provinces. It inhabits the undergrowth of humid montane forest, with a strong preference for Chusquea bamboo. Its elevation range is generally 1,900 to 3,200 m, but it can be found locally up to 3,500 m and as high as 3,700 m in western Napo Province, Ecuador.

Diet

Spillmann's tapaculo forages on the ground or near it, feeding mostly on small insects.

Did you know?

The species was previously considered a subspecies of the brown-rumped tapaculo but was elevated to full species status specifically due to differences in their vocalisations.