Neblina Tapaculo
Scytalopus altirostris
Small tapaculo found only at very high elevations in the eastern Andes of Peru. Male is gray with black and brown barring on lower underparts and rump. Female is browner with more extensive barring. Similar to several other tapaculos, and best identified by range, habitat, and voice. Inhabits scrubby treeline woodland and adjacent grasslands. Song is a long, leisurely series of chips.
Identification
The neblina tapaculo is 10 to 12 cm (3.9 to 4.7 in) long and weighs 17 to 22 g (0.60 to 0.78 oz). The adult male is gray above with a brown wash on the neck. The lower back and rump are brown with black bars. The underparts are a paler gray than the upper parts and the flanks and crissum (the area around the cloaca) are tawny with black bars. The adult female is similar but the upperparts are more brown than gray.
Taxonomy
The neblina tapaculo was originally described as Scytalopus magellanicus altirostris, a subspecies of Magellanic tapaculo. Following a study published in 1997, it was elevated to species rank because of differences in their vocalizations.
- Scientific name
- Scytalopus altirostris
- Authority
- Zimmer, JT, 1939
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Rhinocryptidae
- Genus
- Scytalopus
Range and habitat
The neblina tapaculo is found in the Eastern Cordillera of Peru's northern Andes, roughly between southern Amazonas and central Huánuco Departments. It is resident on the eastern slope at elevations from 2,900 to 3,700 m (9,500 to 12,100 ft). There it inhabits elfin forest and the edge between the forest and adjacent páramo grasslands. It is a very wet environment, and the species' name "neblina" is Spanish for mist, a characteristic of the species' habitat.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Little is known about the neblina tapaculo's diet and foraging phenology, though the species is assumed to be insectivorous. The only information about its breeding biology is that a juvenile was noted in July.<p>The neblina tapaculo's song is described as "a rapid series...of descending, dry churring phrases: djrr djrr djrr djrr djrr djrr" by D.F. Lane in Schulenberg et al (2010). as in this example [1]
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Chrysococcyx maculatus
Stunning jewel of a bird, found in dense forests. Males have vivid, electric green upperparts and black-and-white striped underparts. Females similar but have light orange crown and thinly striped face. Slow in its movements, usually found high up in the canopy gleaning insects from foliage. Parasitizes the nests of spiderhunters and sunbirds. Gives a explosive “chew’wit’it!” in flight, as well as high-pitched descending rattles.
Common Pauraque
Nyctidromus albicollis
Cryptically patterned nightbird; widespread and common in Central and South America, limited U.S. range. Found in shrubby woodlands. Patterned with gray, gold, and brown; note especially cinnamon cheeks and golden edges on back and wing feathers. In flight, note white outer tail feathers and white bar across the wings. Roosts on the ground during the day; actively hunts for insects at night. Song is a distinctive, rich, slightly buzzy "pur-WEEooo." Relatively long tail compared with other similar nightbirds.
Rennell Fantail
Rhipidura rennelliana
Mostly mouse-brown with a slightly paler throat and a russet wingbar. Long tail, often fanned, has pale fringes. Avoids open areas, staying mostly in primary forest. The only fantail on Rennell. Common call is a high-pitched upslurred rasp.
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