The ash-colored tapaculo is a species of bird in the family Rhinocryptidae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Andean slopes of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, mainly in humid montane and cloud forests. It favors dense, mossy understory, thickets of Chusquea bamboo, and forest edges with heavy ground cover. Often stays close to the ground, using fallen logs, root tangles, and shrub bases for cover. It tolerates some habitat disturbance if thick understory remains intact.
Altitude Range
2200–4000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The ash-colored tapaculo is a secretive ground-dwelling bird of the Andean cloud forests and the sole member of the genus Myornis. It keeps to dense understory and bamboo tangles, where it is more often heard than seen. Its simple, repetitive song is a key cue for detection during surveys.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; low, brief flights through dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, keeping to territories within dense understory. Nests are typically placed low, often in earthen banks or hidden in thick vegetation, with a domed or tunnel-like structure. Both members of a pair may contribute to territory defense and parental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A simple, repetitive series of high-pitched notes or trills that can accelerate slightly and carry well through the forest. Calls include sharp chips and ticking notes given from hidden perches, especially at dawn and dusk.
