Tschudi's Tapaculo
NameTschudi's Tapaculo
Common NameTschudi's Tapaculo
Scientific NameScytalopus unicolor
FamilyRhinocryptidae
Wingspan (cm)13.5
Length (cm)11.5
Weight (g)18.5
Plumage DetailsAdult males are uniformly dark slate-gray to blackish, often appearing entirely black in the field. Females and immatures may have slightly paler underparts or brownish flanks, but the overall impression is very dark.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a distinctive, rapid, and repetitive series of notes, often described as a 'churr' or 'trill' that can be sustained for long periods. This characteristic vocalization is a primary means of identification.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Andes of central and northern Peru, typically found at elevations between 2,000 and 3,500 meters in dense montane cloud forest undergrowth.
Identifying Featuresuniformly dark plumage, small size, skulking behavior in dense undergrowth, distinctive repetitive call, short tail
Description
A small, dark, and secretive bird of the Andes, Tschudi's Tapaculo is typically found foraging in dense undergrowth. It is known more by its distinctive vocalizations than by sight due to its skulking habits, often staying hidden in thick vegetation.
