The chusquea tapaculo is a species of bird in the family Rhinocryptidae. It is found in southern Ecuador and far northern Peru.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs on humid Andean slopes of southern Ecuador and extreme northern Peru, where cloud forests support extensive Chusquea bamboo. It keeps to dense bamboo thickets, mossy understory tangles, and the edges of elfin forest. The species typically forages near the ground, along ravines and trails, and in small light gaps within otherwise closed forest. It is rarely seen in open habitats and avoids heavily degraded areas.
Altitude Range
2200–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the Chusquea Tapaculo, this secretive understory bird is strongly associated with dense Chusquea bamboo. It was only described in the late 20th century and remains poorly known due to its skulking habits. Males often reveal their presence with persistent songs delivered from concealed perches.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the ground
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories within dense bamboo. Nests are thought to be domed or ball-shaped structures of moss and fibers placed on or near the ground, often in banks or root tangles. Pairs communicate frequently with soft calls while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a steady series of clear, evenly spaced notes that may accelerate slightly, delivered from within bamboo thickets. Calls include sharp ticks and soft churrs used in close contact and territorial contexts.
Plumage
Compact, round-bodied tapaculo with sooty to dark gray head and body, contrasting warm brown flanks and rump with fine dark barring; short, often cocked tail.
Diet
Primarily consumes small arthropods such as beetles, ants, spiders, and other insects gleaned from leaf litter and bamboo culms. It probes mossy bases, dead leaves, and crevices for hidden prey. Occasional ingestion of small berries or seeds may occur but is not a major component of the diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages on or just above the forest floor in dense Chusquea bamboo, along trails, and in shaded ravines. Often uses bamboo stems and low tangles as cover while gleaning and probing.
