Blackish tapaculo
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Genus
SPECIES
Scytalopus latrans

The blackish tapaculo (Scytalopus latrans ) is a species of bird in the family Rhinocryptidae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.

Appearance

The blackish tapaculo is approximately 11 cm (4.3 in) long. Males weigh 16 to 21 g (0.56 to 0.74 oz) and females 14 to 20 g (0.49 to 0.71 oz). The male of the "blackish" subspecies is dark to very dark gray and the female is dark gray, sometimes with an olive wash. The juvenile is not well known but is believed to be dull brown. The "Pacific" subspecies male is black while the female is gray, darker above and lighter below, with brown flanks. The juvenile is brown.

Distribution

Geography

Continents
Biogeographical realms

The "blackish" subspecies of blackish tapaculo inhabits both slopes and interior ranges of the Andes from western Venezuela through Colombia and Ecuador to northern Peru. The "Pacific" subspecies inhabits the western slope of the Andes of southwest Ecuador and northwest Peru. The species is believed to be sedentary.

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The blackish tapaculo is found in the understory of moist montane forest at elevations between 1,500 and 4,000 m (4,900 and 13,100 ft). Typical vegetative associations include Chusquea bamboo and Polylepis scrub. It also inhabits other shrubs, swampy areas, and second growth.

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Blackish tapaculo habitat map
Blackish tapaculo habitat map
Blackish tapaculo
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Diet and Nutrition

The blackish tapaculo feeds on and near the ground, gleaning soil, moss, foliage, and stems for small arthropods.

Mating Habits

Very little is known about the blackish tapaculo's breeding phenology. The one known nest was globular and in an earthen bank covered with clubmoss and ferns.

Population

Population number

The IUCN has rated the blackish tapaculo as of Least Concern.

References

1. Blackish tapaculo Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackish_tapaculo
2. Blackish tapaculo on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22730438/95028080
3. Xeno-canto bird call - https://xeno-canto.org/707518

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