Unicolored Tapaculo

Overview

The unicolored tapaculo (Scytalopus unicolor) is a species of bird in the family Rhinocryptidae, endemic to northwestern Peru. It is currently assessed by the IUCN as Near Threatened due to its small range and habitat fragmentation.

Identification

• A small bird measuring 10.5 cm in length.
• Males are grey, darker above and lighter below, with a slight brown wash on the rear.
• Females are similar to males but possess a darker brown wash.
• Immature birds are brown above with dull yellowish undersides featuring spots on the belly and bars on the flanks.
• Song consists of a short series of notes with an increasing pace, while the call is a single note.

Habitat

Found exclusively in the southern Cajamarca Department and La Libertad Department of northwestern Peru, this species inhabits the dense understory of humid montane forest on the eastern side of the Andes. It occupies elevations between 2,000 and 3,170 m.

Did you know?

Although the unicolored tapaculo is fairly common within its very limited range and appears to tolerate some disturbance, its habitat is highly fragmented and vulnerable to fire.