Vilcabamba Tapaculo

Overview

The Vilcabamba tapaculo (Scytalopus urubambae) is a small passerine bird in the family Rhinocryptidae endemic to Peru. Originally considered a subspecies of the Magellanic tapaculo, it was elevated to full species status following 1997 studies identifying distinct vocal differences.

Identification

• Length of 10 to 12 cm with a slender bill and fairly long legs; the tail is short and held erect.
• Male plumage features dark gray upper parts, medium gray chest merging to pale gray belly, and reddish-brown rump and flanks with faint bars.
• Females resemble males but have paler gray upper parts, a brown wash on the neck, and brighter reddish-brown flanks lacking bars.
• Song is described as a 'raspy chit-chit' or 'churr', accompanied by a call described as 'a rising and falling kikikikiki'.

Habitat

Restricted to the upper Urubamba Valley in the Department of Cuzco, southern Peru, at elevations ranging from 3,500 to 4,200 m. The species inhabits humid montane and elfin forest, often in areas dominated by moss and boulders.

Did you know?

The bird was only distinguished from the Magellanic tapaculo due to differences in vocalizations, highlighting how critical auditory identification is for species at this high elevation.