Dusky Tapaculo

Fairly common but nocturnal bird of lowland desert with scattered low bushes and agricultural areas with hedges and brush. Sleeps during the day on the ground or on a low shady perch; when flushed flies with quick stiff wingbeats and short glides. Note the broad rounded wings and snappy flight style, unlike pointed wings and erratic flight of Lesser Nighthawk, which occurs in the same areas. At night hunts from ground and low perches. Like all nightjars, may be located at night by brilliant amber eyeshine reflected in light beams.

Tiny bird of rainforest canopy. Key field marks are white wing bars, clear pale gray underparts, thin black line through eye, and (especially) contrasting rufous back. Occurs in tall rainforest, where it follows canopy mixed-species flocks and is almost never found away from them. Feeds actively on insects, gleaning from foliage and often hanging upside-down, thereby offering a dorsal view that should facilitate identification. Song, which carries surprisingly far, is a thin, staccato trill, fast and accelerating. Smaller and more active than most other species in canopy flocks; habit of hanging upside-down recalls a greenlet, but face pattern, wing bars and contrasting back color are distinctive.

Fairly common to common in native temperate forest, adjacent shrubbery, wooded patches, and thickets along rivers and streams, especially with bamboo. Loud ringing song is commonly heard, but calling birds can be elusive. At other times can be confiding, walking out at close range as if curious, usually with tail cocked. Plumage distinctive, with bright rusty eyebrow, throat, and breast. Compare with the larger and fatter Chestnut-throated Huet-huet.