Silvery-fronted Tapaculo
NameSilvery-fronted Tapaculo
Common NameSilvery-fronted Tapaculo
Scientific NameScytalopus argentifrons
FamilyRhinocryptidae
Wingspan (cm)14
Length (cm)11.5
Weight (g)20
Plumage DetailsMales are dark slate-grey overall, with a distinctive silvery-white forehead and supercilium. The lower flanks and vent are typically barred with rufous or brownish. Females are similar but may have less prominent silvery markings and more extensive brownish barring.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a loud, rapid, and repetitive series of 'churr' notes, often accelerating and rising slightly in pitch, or a series of short, sharp 'tchuk' notes.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThis species is endemic to the Talamanca Mountains, found in the humid montane cloud forests of Costa Rica and western Panama.
Identifying FeaturesSmall, dark, skulking bird, Silvery-white forehead and supercilium (especially in males), Dark slate-grey plumage with rufous-barred flanks, Loud, repetitive, mechanical-sounding call, Inhabits dense montane forest undergrowth
Description
The Silvery-fronted Tapaculo is a small, dark, and highly secretive bird of the forest undergrowth. It is typically heard more often than seen, moving furtively through dense vegetation while foraging for insects.
