Spillmann's tapaculo
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Genus
SPECIES
Scytalopus spillmanni

Spillmann's tapaculo (Scytalopus spillmanni ) is a species of bird in the family Formicariidae. It inhabits the Andes of Colombia and Ecuador.

Appearance

Spillmann's tapaculo is 12 cm (4.7 in) long. Males weigh 21 to 30 g (0.74 to 1.06 oz) and females 20 to 29.5 g (0.71 to 1.04 oz). The male is blackish gray above with a dark brown rump. It is lighter gray below with tawny to cinnamon flanks and vent area. Some females are like the male, but most have the upperparts heavily washed with brown and an orange lower belly. The juvenile is brown above and dusky below, with barring above and below.

Distribution

Geography

Continents
Biogeographical realms

Spillmann's tapaculo is found in all three Andean ranges of Colombia and south into Ecuador. In the west it extends to Cotopaxi Province and in the east into Morona-Santiago Province. It inhabits the undergrowth of humid montane forest and is especially partial to Chusquea bamboo. It ranges generally from 1,900 to 3,200 m (6,200 to 10,500 ft) but is found locally up to 3,500 m (11,500 ft) and as high as 3,700 m (12,100 ft) in western Napo Province, Ecuador.

Spillmann's tapaculo habitat map

Biome

Spillmann's tapaculo habitat map
Spillmann's tapaculo
Attribution-ShareAlike License

Diet and Nutrition

Spillmann's tapaculo forages on the ground or near it, mostly for small insects.

Mating Habits

Little is known about the breeding phenology of Spillmann's tapaculo, but it probably breeds throughout the year.

Population

Population number

The IUCN has assessed Spillmann's tapaculo as being of Least Concern. It has a very large range and appears to be common throughout it.

References

1. Spillmann's tapaculo Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spillmann's_tapaculo
2. Spillmann's tapaculo on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22729270/132179752
3. Xeno-canto bird call - https://xeno-canto.org/683389

More Fascinating Animals to Learn About