Long-tailed Tapaculo
Scytalopus micropterus
Small, mouse-like bird of Andean cloud forest. Often looks all gray in the dark forest understory it inhabits, but it does have rusty lower underparts with dark barring. Female may show a brown tinge on her back. Similar to other tapaculo species, and best identified by range and voice. Stays near the ground and is usually hard to see. Typical song is a “ker-chick!” repeated over and over.
Identification
The long-tailed tapaculo is one of the larger species of genus Scytalopus, and, compared to other Scytalopus species, its tail is relatively long. It is 13.5 cm (5.3 in) long overall and males weigh from 27 to 32.5 g (0.95 to 1.15 oz). Otherwise the long-tailed tapaculo has few distinctive morphological features: The male's plumage is drab, primarily dark gray with russet brown flanks that are barred with black. The female is similar but even drabber.<p>The long-tailed tapaculo's song typically begins with a series of single notes, but quickly turns into a series of couplets [1]. Its alarm call is a descending series.
Taxonomy
The long-tailed tapaculo was formerly considered a subspecies of rufous-vented tapaculo (Scytalopus femoralis) but was separated based principally on differences in their vocalizations. They are now classed as sister species.
- Scientific name
- Scytalopus micropterus
- Authority
- (Sclater, PL, 1858)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Rhinocryptidae
- Genus
- Scytalopus
Range and habitat
The long-tailed tapaculo occurs along the east slopes of the Andes from Colombia south to northern Peru. There it inhabits humid shrubby areas along streams and forest edges. In most of its range it is found between 1,250 and 2,300 m (4,100 and 7,550 ft), but in Peru is limited to elevations between 1,650 and 1,950 m (5,410 and 6,400 ft).
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Like other cloud forest tapaculos, the long-tailed tapaculo forages on or near the ground for small invertebrates.<p>The long-tailed tapaculo probably breeds in all months. Birds collected in September and November had active gonads, but no other information has been published.
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Hylonympha macrocerca
Unmistakable hummingbird with long, scissor-shaped tail, overall green with decurved bill and white spot behind eye. Male recalls Violet-fronted Brilliant but with long and forked black tail and blue forehead; female very different, with shorter but still forked tail, white throat, green-speckled chest, and buffy belly, recalling female of Long-tailed Sylph. Found alone inside humid forests or forest borders at low to mid levels, often at Heliconia patches. Voice a short burst “tsi, tsi, tsip.” No similar species in its very limited range. Endemic to the Paria peninsula of northeastern Venezuela.
Rufous-fronted Laughingthrush
Garrulax rufifrons
Plain-looking large laughingthrush; dusty-brown overall, with pale orange eyes and a dark chestnut forehead patch. Also note warmer rufous tones on wings and tail. Despite its drab appearance, this species is unfortunately nonetheless under intense pressure for the cagebird trade, and has disappeared from much of its montane forest habitat. Song is a long, descending series of shrill notes. Calls are variable; sharp yapping notes are frequently given. Travels in small to medium-sized flocks, sometimes mixing with other species.
Whooping Motmot
Momotus subrufescens
Large motmot of lowland forest and edges from eastern Panama to northwestern South America. Green above and warm rufous below, with a black mask bordered by a dazzling cerulean crown. The crown is not solidly blue, but instead has a circular black patch in the middle as if it’s wearing a yarmulke. Like most other motmots, has conspicuous tail racquets. In typical motmot fashion, perches quietly for long periods of time anywhere from the understory to the canopy, occasionally flicking its tail side to side. Gives a low single “whoop” call.
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