Utcubamba Tapaculo
Scytalopus intermedius
Small, plain bird found at high elevations in the eastern Andes in northern Peru. Adult male is dark gray, often looking black in the field. Females and young birds are browner, especially on the lower underparts. Similar to Large-footed Tapaculo, but smaller and has a different voice. Gives low-pitched, froglike notes either in a steady series or in shorter, faster bursts. Inhabits understory of elfin cloud forest, often near tree line, and stays low where it is hard to see.
Identification
The Utcubamba tapaculo is small compared to other tapaculos; it is approximately 11 cm (4.3 in) long. Males weigh 16.7 to 22 g (0.59 to 0.78 oz) and females 14 to 20 g (0.49 to 0.71 oz). The male is entirely black. The female is dark gray above and somewhat lighter gray below with little of no brown on the flanks.
Taxonomy
The Utcubamba tapaculo was originally described as a subspecies of unicolored tapaculo (Scytalopus unicolor). Subsequent splits of two other subspecies retained it as a subspecies of blackish tapaculo. As of January 2021, the International Ornithological Congress (IOC) considers it a distinct species, but the Clements taxonomy retains it as a subspecies of blackish tapaculo (S. latrans intermedius).
- Scientific name
- Scytalopus intermedius
- Authority
- Zimmer, JT, 1939
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Rhinocryptidae
- Genus
- Scytalopus
Range and habitat
The Utcubamba tapaculo is endemic to the central Andes of Peru. Most of the records are from the drainage of Río Utcubamba. The range extends from there west to Río Marañón, east to Río Huallaga, and south into San Martín. It is found in elevations from 2,560 to 3,600 m (8,400 to 11,810 ft).
Photos
Bird Calls
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