Santa Marta Tapaculo
NameSanta Marta Tapaculo
Common NameSanta Marta Tapaculo
Scientific NameScytalopus sanctaemartae
FamilyRhinocryptidae
Wingspan (cm)16.5
Length (cm)11
Weight (g)18.5
Plumage DetailsPredominantly dark grey to blackish plumage with a prominent white patch on the forecrown. The flanks and vent are rufous-brown, often with faint barring. It has a short, often cocked tail.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a distinctive, rapid, accelerating series of high-pitched, churring or trilling notes, often described as 'churr-churr-churr' or 'tchuk-tchuk-tchuk'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Santa Marta Mountains in northern Colombia, South America.
Identifying Featuressmall size, dark grey plumage, prominent white crown patch, rufous-brown flanks, short cocked tail, skulking behavior, distinctive churring call
Description
This small, dark grey tapaculo is endemic to the Santa Marta Mountains of Colombia. It is a secretive, ground-dwelling bird that forages for insects in dense undergrowth, often detected by its distinctive vocalizations rather than sight.
