The chucao tapaculo is a species of bird in the family Rhinocryptidae. It is found in central Chile and adjacent Argentina; it has also been recorded in Chile's Magallanes Province.
Region
Southern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in central-southern Chile from roughly Maule through Los Lagos and Chiloé, with populations extending into adjacent Andean foothills of Argentina. It inhabits dense, moist temperate forests, especially Valdivian rainforest with abundant bamboo (Chusquea) and thick understory. Also uses secondary growth, riparian thickets, and forest edges where cover is ample. Rare records exist farther south into Magallanes Province. It is typically associated with areas that maintain continuous ground cover and leaf litter.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The chucao tapaculo is a secretive understory bird of the Valdivian temperate rainforests of Chile and adjacent Argentina. Its loud, ringing duet—often rendered as “chu-cao”—carries surprisingly far through dense thickets. It spends most of its time near the ground, flicking its short tail and slipping through bamboo tangles. Though shy, it can be quite vocal, especially at dawn.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, maintaining tight territories in dense cover. Pairs often duet and remain bonded through the breeding season. Nests are typically placed low, in cavities, earthen banks, or dense vegetation near the ground. Young are guarded closely and led through undergrowth shortly after fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, clear, two- to three-note whistle often rendered as “chu-cao,” repeated in series and frequently given as antiphonal duets by pairs. Calls are sharp and penetrating, carrying through thick understory, with excited chatter when alarmed.
Plumage
Dense, soft plumage with warm brown upperparts, a grayish head, and a rich rufous throat and breast; flanks strongly barred.
Diet
Feeds primarily on arthropods such as beetles, spiders, and larvae gleaned from leaf litter and rotting logs. Also takes small snails and other invertebrates. Supplements its diet with seeds and small berries, especially outside the peak insect season. Foraging is mostly on or near the ground, using quick hops and probing.
Preferred Environment
Dense understory of temperate rainforest, especially bamboo tangles, fallen logs, and fern thickets. Frequently forages along shady forest floor, stream margins, and trail edges where leaf litter accumulates.
