Long-tailed tapaculo

The long-tailed tapaculo is a species of bird in the family Rhinocryptidae. It is found in the eastern Andes of Colombia, Ecuador and far northern Peru.

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Distribution

Region

Andes Mountains

Typical Environment

Occurs on the eastern slopes of the Andes from Colombia through Ecuador to far northern Peru. It inhabits humid montane forest, cloud forest, and dense secondary growth, with a strong association to Chusquea bamboo and tangles near streams. The species keeps to shaded, mossy understory and forest edges, often along steep ravines and landslides. It is sedentary and local, but can be fairly common where suitable bamboo thickets persist.

Altitude Range

1200–2600 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size13–16 cm

Wing Span18–22 cm

Male Weight0.022 kg

Female Weight0.02 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The long-tailed tapaculo is a secretive understory bird of humid Andean forests, more often heard than seen. It is notable among tapaculos for its relatively long tail and its loud, accelerating series of notes. It keeps close to the ground in dense thickets, especially bamboo, where it slips through cover with quick, mouse-like movements.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

secretive and skulking

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats, low and brief flights

Social Behavior

Typically solitary or in pairs, maintaining small territories within dense understory. Nests are placed low, often in burrows, banks, or concealed in mossy cavities, with dome-like structures of plant fibers. Both sexes are highly responsive to song within their territory.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A loud, persistent series of clear notes that often accelerates or becomes more rapid, mechanical in quality. Calls include sharp chips and scolds given from hidden perches within thickets.

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Identification

Leg Colorpinkish-brown

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Mostly dark slaty-gray with browner, finely barred flanks and vent area; plumage is soft and plain above with subtle mottling below in some birds.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Primarily small arthropods such as insects and spiders gleaned from leaf litter, mossy trunks, and bamboo stems. It probes and picks along the ground and low vegetation, occasionally sallying a short distance to snatch prey. Foraging is methodical and close to cover, minimizing exposure.

Preferred Environment

Dense understory, especially bamboo thickets and tangled edges of humid montane forest. Frequently forages near streambanks, landslides, and along narrow forest paths where leaf litter accumulates.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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