Marsh Tapaculo
Scytalopus iraiensis
Small, dark ash-gray tapaculo. Note the unbarred dark brown vent. Occurs in marshy areas with dense tall grasses and sedges, where usually devilishly difficult to see. The song is a long (c. 30 seconds) repetition of “tchek” notes.
Identification
It is a small, dumpy bird with broad tail-feathers and a total length of approximately 12.5 cm. The upperparts are plain blackish in colour while the underparts are dark grey. The flanks are slightly barred with brown, at least in young birds. The legs are reddish-brown and the bill is dark. The song includes a long series of short 'tchek' notes. The birds run rapidly and will fly short distances when flushed.[citation needed]
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Scytalopus iraiensis
- Authority
- Bornschein, Reinert & Pichorim, 1998
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Rhinocryptidae
- Genus
- Scytalopus
Range and habitat
It was first sighted on April 19, 1997 in wetlands beside the Iraí River near Curitiba in southern Brazil. Until recently it was generally believed to be restricted to about two dozen sites in the eastern part of Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul, but has now been discovered in the highlands of Minas Gerais – far north of its previously known range.[citation needed]<p>It occurs in seasonally flooded grassland in the floodplains of rivers. It inhabits areas of tall (60–180 cm), dense vegetation dominated by sedges (such as Eleocharis) and grasses. It forages at or near ground-level and feeds on small arthropods, mainly insects such as bugs and beetles. Breeding occurs in late spring.[citation needed]
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
It is classified as an endangered species due to its small and declining population and destruction of its habitat. Threats include drainage, sand extraction, burning of grassland and the flooding of land due to the construction of dams. Despite the recently discovered populations in Minas Gerais, some of which are within protected areas (the national parks of Serra do Cipó and Serra da Canastra, and the private reserve Serra do Caraça), it has been recommended not downgrading it to a lower threatened status, but it remains to be seen if this will be followed.[citation needed]
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
American Pygmy Kingfisher
Chloroceryle aenea
Tiny kingfisher of shady forest streams and mangroves. Often darts away when disturbed, but can be confiding if approached quietly and usually perches fairly low over the water. About half of the size of Green Kingfisher, and easily distinguished by rusty underparts and poorly contrasting pale neck collar (bright white on Green Kingfisher). Female has a narrow green breast band, lacking on male.
Large Hawk-Cuckoo
Hierococcyx sparverioides
This species’ maddening song can be likened to the phrase “brain-FEVER,” which adequately describes what this bird gives birders trying to see one as it sings high up in the forest canopy. If seen well, note hawk-like appearance, with a long barred tail, brown upperparts, and patterned white underparts. Orangish flush on chest apparent in adults. Favors hill and montane forests when breeding; often found at lower altitudes and in forest edge and scrubby areas when migrating and on wintering grounds.
Turkestan Ground-Jay
Podoces panderi
Odd dove-gray corvid with a slightly decurved bill. Note black lores, tail, and chest. Delicate buffy-pinkish wash on the chest visible in good light. Inhabits sandy deserts with scattered shrubs. Often perches out in the open, next to roads, and forages on the ground in small flocks or pairs. Gives a bubbling ‘bl’lip, bl’lip’, often in the early morning.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.