The elegant crescentchest is a species of bird in the family Melanopareiidae. It is found in Ecuador and Peru.
Region
Tumbesian region
Typical Environment
Occurs in arid to semi-arid scrub, thorn forest, and deciduous woodland on the west slope of the Andes in Ecuador and Peru. It favors dense, brushy understory with scattered cacti and acacias, often near edges and secondary growth. Birds keep close to the ground, moving through tangles and leaf litter. It also uses dry ravines and scrubby foothills, provided there is thick cover.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The elegant crescentchest is a skulking, ground-oriented passerine of the Tumbesian dry forests of western Ecuador and northwestern Peru. Its name comes from the bold black crescent across its chest, edged with pale borders. Pairs often duet, delivering clear, whistled phrases from low thickets. It is part of the distinct family Melanopareiidae, separate from true tapaculos despite a similar niche.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs that maintain year-round territories. Forages low and often runs or hops between cover rather than flying far. Nests are typically well hidden, placed low in dense vegetation; pairs are known to duet during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of clear, whistled phrases delivered in short series, often from within cover. Pairs may duet antiphonally, creating a richer sequence. Calls include sharp chips used to maintain contact in dense scrub.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with subtle buff streaking, long dark tail often with pale tips, and rufous to buff underparts marked by a bold black crescent across the upper breast edged with whitish. Face shows a pale supercilium and throat with darker mask-like markings. Feathers are sleek and close, aiding movement through dense scrub.
Diet
Primarily consumes insects and other small arthropods gleaned from leaf litter, low branches, and thorny shrubs. It probes and picks methodically, sometimes flicking leaves and debris to expose prey. Occasional small seeds or berries may be taken opportunistically but form a minor part of the diet.
Preferred Environment
Feeds near or on the ground within dense, thorny scrub and dry forest understory. Often works along edges, hedgerows, and brushy washes where cover is continuous.
