Bahian mouse-colored tapaculo

The Boa Nova tapaculo (Scytalopus gonzagai), also known as the Bahian mouse-colored tapaculo, is a species of passerine bird native to Bahia, Brazil.

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Distribution

Region

Atlantic Forest, eastern Brazil

Typical Environment

This species occupies humid submontane to montane Atlantic Forest in southern Bahia. It favors dense understory with bamboo, vine tangles, and mossy ravines, often near streams. Birds keep close to the ground, moving through leaf litter and thickets with short, furtive hops. It tolerates some secondary growth but depends on continuous forest cover and shaded microhabitats.

Altitude Range

800–1300 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size10–12 cm

Wing Span16–18 cm

Male Weight0.02 kg

Female Weight0.018 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Also called the Boa Nova tapaculo, this cryptic forest bird was only formally described in the 2010s and is identified most reliably by its distinctive song. It is restricted to a small portion of the Atlantic Forest in Bahia, Brazil, where it skulkily forages in dense understory. Habitat loss and fragmentation are the primary threats to its survival.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Typically encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories within dense understory. Nests are placed low, often domed and concealed in banks or root tangles, consistent with other tapaculos. Courtship and territorial interactions rely heavily on vocalizations.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A series of sharp, evenly spaced notes building into a steady trill, delivered from hidden perches close to the ground. Calls are simple, metallic chips used for contact and alarm. Vocal distinctions are key for separating it from similar Scytalopus species.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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