Sandy Gallito

Overview

The sandy gallito (Teledromas fuscus) is a suboscine passerine bird belonging to the tapaculo family, Rhinocryptidae. It is the sole species in the genus Teledromas and is endemic to Argentina.

Identification

• A small bird measuring 17 cm in length.
• Adults feature light cinnamon crowns, backs, wings, and central tail feathers, contrasting with blackish outer tail feathers.
• White throat and chest blend into light cinnamon on the flanks and vent.
• Typical song consists of loud 'tchowk' notes repeated between five and ten times.

Habitat

This year-round resident is found on the eastern slope of the Andes in Argentina, ranging from southwestern Salta Province to Río Negro Province. It inhabits subtropical or tropical dry shrubland characterised by sparse vegetation on sand and gravel, dry washes, and ravines, typically up to 3,500 m in elevation, though reaching 4,000 m in Salta.

Diet

The principal food of the sandy gallito is thought to be arthropods. It forages exclusively on the ground while attempting to remain concealed by running between bushes.

Did you know?

The nest of the sandy gallito is an open cup of grass usually built at the end of a tunnel up to 50 cm long.