The marsh tapaculo is a recently discovered passerine bird which belongs to the genus Scytalopus, a genus of tapaculos. It is also known as the wetland tapaculo or tall-grass wetland tapaculo. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Southern Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs in fragmented patches of tall-grass and sedge marshes in southern Brazil, especially in wetlands with year-round saturated soils. It favors dense stands of rushes, sedges, and tussock-forming grasses where it can move unseen close to the ground. The species avoids open water and requires thick cover for foraging and nesting. Many sites are small and isolated due to historical drainage and urban or agricultural expansion.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Recently described in the late 1990s, the marsh tapaculo is notoriously hard to see, spending most of its time skulking in dense, waterlogged grasses. It is detected mainly by its persistent, high-pitched song. The species depends on intact tall-grass marshes, which makes it highly vulnerable to drainage and habitat alteration. Conservation efforts include protecting and restoring sedge- and rush-dominated wetlands.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found alone or in pairs, remaining low within dense marsh vegetation. Nests are placed close to the ground in thick grass or sedge tussocks. Pairs defend small territories primarily through song, and young remain concealed within cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of high, thin, repeated notes that can accelerate into a tight trill, carrying well across marshes. Calls include sharp tic or tseet notes used in close contact and alarm.
Plumage
Mostly plain dark gray with subtly browner, faintly barred flanks and rump; short, often cocked tail.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small arthropods such as insects, larvae, and spiders gleaned from stems, leaf bases, and wet litter. It probes among sedges and rushes and picks prey from exposed mud or shallow water margins. Foraging is almost entirely within dense cover, rarely venturing into open areas.
Preferred Environment
Forages within tall, waterlogged sedge and rush beds, especially where tussocks create microhabitats and exposed mud patches. Edge zones of marshes with stable water levels are preferred.
