The brown-rumped tapaculo is a species of bird in the family Rhinocryptidae. It is endemic to Colombia.
Region
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Typical Environment
This species is confined to humid montane forest and elfin forest on the isolated Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta massif in northern Colombia. It keeps to dense understory, especially along steep ravines, edges with Chusquea bamboo, and mossy thickets. Birds usually remain near or on the ground, moving through leaf litter and low tangles. It occurs in protected and unprotected forest fragments, but avoids open habitats. Local abundance can be high where dense cover persists. Its range is small but elevationally broad within suitable forest.
Altitude Range
2000–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy understory specialist of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in northern Colombia, the brown-rumped tapaculo is far more often heard than seen. Its distinctive brown rump contrasts with its otherwise slaty-gray body, a helpful field mark when it briefly hops into view. Identification often relies on its rapid trilled song, as many Scytalopus species look similar. It favors dense, mossy thickets and bamboo where it forages close to the ground.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, brief flights between cover
Social Behavior
Typically encountered as single birds or in pairs that defend small territories. Nests are placed low, often in banks or among roots, built of moss and fibers. Clutch size is small and both sexes are thought to participate in care. It spends much of its time hidden, running or hopping through dense vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rapid, mechanical-sounding trill or series of sharp, evenly spaced notes delivered from concealed perches. Phrases can continue for many seconds and may accelerate slightly. Calls include short chips and dry rattles.
