The Ampay tapaculo is a species of bird in the family Rhinocryptidae. It is endemic to Peru.
Region
Peruvian Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and elfin forests of the central-southern Peruvian Andes, especially around the Ampay massif. Prefers dense understory with mossy thickets, bamboo, and tangles along ravines and forest edges. Often associated with Podocarpus and Polylepis patches as well as shrubby secondary growth. It keeps close to the ground, using root tangles and fallen logs for cover. Habitat fragmentation outside protected areas may constrain its local movements.
Altitude Range
2800–3800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Ampay tapaculo is a recently described, ground-dwelling tapaculo named for the Ampay National Sanctuary near Abancay, Peru. Like many Scytalopus, it is best identified by its distinctive song rather than plumage. It skulks in dense understory and is rarely seen in the open. Its limited range makes habitat protection especially important.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the ground
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs, keeping to dense cover. Nests are placed low, often in cavities, banks, or among dense root tangles. Males sing persistently from concealed perches during the breeding season, and territories are defended vocally.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A distinctive series of sharp, high-pitched notes that accelerate or shift into a steady trill, delivered repeatedly from hidden perches. Calls include short chips and squeaks used for contact and alarm. The song carries well at dawn and in misty conditions.
Plumage
Compact, round-bodied tapaculo with mostly slate-gray to dark gray upperparts and underparts, contrasting warm brown rump and flanks with fine dark barring. The belly and throat can be slightly paler gray; wings and tail are dusky with subtle barring.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods such as beetles, ants, spiders, and larvae taken from leaf litter, moss, and decaying wood. It gleans and probes among roots and ground cover, flicking leaves aside with quick movements. Opportunistically takes small invertebrates dislodged by its own scratching or by other animals moving through the understory.
Preferred Environment
Forages on or near the ground in dense, moist understory, especially in bamboo thickets, mossy gullies, and along forested stream margins. Often remains within a few meters of thick cover for quick retreat.
