Junin Tapaculo
Scytalopus gettyae
Poorly known Peruvian endemic found only in high Andean cloud forest northeast of the city of Huancayo. It was described to science in 2013. Adult male is plain gray, lacking the rufous barring on the lower underparts shown by Rufous-vented Tapaculo and Trilling Tapaculo. Female plumage not yet known with certainty. Younger birds are heavily marked with bars or scales. Best identified by range and voice. Typical song is a lengthy series that starts out with simple notes and gradually transitions into sputtering bursts.
Identification
The measurements based on four specimens which include three adult males and one subadult male. All were collected in elevations between 2,300 m (7,500 ft) and 3,200 m (10,500 ft). The mass ranges between 19.8 and 20.9 g. The bill length is between 5.9 and 6.6 mm. The tarsus length is between 21.9 and 24.0 mm, the wing length is between 55.0 and 58.8 mm, and the tail length ranges from 37.0 to 40.9 mm.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Scytalopus gettyae
- Authority
- Hosner, Robbins, Valqui & Peterson, 2013
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Rhinocryptidae
- Genus
- Scytalopus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
The Junin tapaculo is currently not listed in the IUCN Red List. It would qualify for an endangered species status if the current range, two localities 5 km apart in a single drainage, will be confirmed. On the other hand, tapaculos have a secretive behaviour, and so it might be possible that it has a much wider range. Due to the lack of information Data deficient might be currently the most appropriate category.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Snail Kite
Rostrhamus sociabilis
Unique snail-eating raptor. Widespread and fairly common in Central and South America, but very limited range in U.S. Found exclusively around lakes and marshes with plenty of vegetation. Adult male is entirely dark gray with red eyes, orange feet and base of bill, briefly turning red in breeding season. Females and immatures are streaky brown. Note very sharply hooked bill, long broad wings, and short dark tail with a white base above and below. Look for pairs or small groups flying over marshes with slow, buoyant wingbeats. Frequently perches on bushes.
Bat-like Spinetail
Neafrapus boehmi
Extraordinary short-tailed swift with weak, fluttery, bat-like flight. Note the pale underparts and white rump patch. Seen on the wing over woodland, gallery forest, and moist savannah, especially miombo. Often in areas with baobabs, which are favored nesting sites. Usually solo or in pairs. Range does not overlap with that of the similar Sabine’s Spinetail. All other swifts have a longer tail.
Red-shouldered Cuckooshrike
Campephaga phoenicea
A sleek cuckooshrike in which males and females look strikingly different. Males are entirely black with a red or occasionally yellow-orange shoulder patch. Females have olive-gray upperparts and pale underparts with fine dark barring. Found in lush woodland and cultivation, gallery forest, and along forest edge. Male closely resembles other black male cuckooshrikes, especially Black Cuckooshrike, but note red or yellow-orange (instead of yellow) shoulders. The female closely resembles female Black Cuckooshrike, but is distinguished by its mostly black undertail with yellow edgings. Inconspicuous vocalizations include a “tik” call and a high-pitched, jumbled song.
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