Magellanic Tapaculo
NameMagellanic Tapaculo
Common NameMagellanic Tapaculo
Scientific NameScytalopus magellanicus
FamilyRhinocryptidae
Wingspan (cm)15
Length (cm)10.5
Weight (g)16
Plumage DetailsPredominantly dark gray plumage, often appearing almost blackish. Some individuals may show a brownish wash on the flanks and rump, with faint barring. The crown and nape can have a slightly scaly or mottled appearance, particularly in males, with some white flecking visible on the forehead and around the eye in the image.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a distinctive, rapid, and repetitive series of 'churr' or 'trill' notes, often described as a mechanical-sounding 'churr-churr-churr-churr' or a rapid 'trrrrrrr'. The song is a long, accelerating trill.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the southern Andes of Chile and Argentina, extending south to Tierra del Fuego. It inhabits temperate forests, particularly Nothofagus forests, and dense bamboo thickets.
Identifying FeaturesSmall, dark gray body, Short, often cocked tail, Skulking behavior in dense undergrowth, Distinctive repetitive trilling call, Dark bill and legs
Description
The Magellanic Tapaculo is a small, dark, and secretive passerine bird known for its skulking behavior in dense undergrowth. It typically forages on or near the ground, often flicking its short tail upwards. Its presence is more often detected by its distinctive vocalizations than by sight.
