The ochre-flanked tapaculo is a species of bird in the family Rhinocryptidae. It is found in south-central Chile and adjacent western Argentina.
Region
South-central Chile and adjacent western Argentina
Typical Environment
Occupies humid temperate forests, especially the Valdivian and Magellanic forest belts with dense understory. Strongly associated with bamboo (Chusquea) thickets, forest edges, ravines, and areas with abundant fallen logs and leaf litter. Also occurs in second-growth woodland if cover is dense. It remains close to the ground, weaving through vegetation rather than making long flights.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The ochre-flanked tapaculo is a secretive understory specialist of the Valdivian temperate forests, often heard long before it’s seen. It slips mouse-like through dense bamboo and thickets, flashing its distinctive ochre-colored flanks. A monotypic genus, it is unique among tapaculos and is non-migratory. Its loud accelerating song is a key cue for detection in its shadowy habitat.
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; low, brief flights between cover
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, maintaining territories year-round. Nests are placed low, often in cavities or dense vegetation close to the ground. Pairs may duet, and both sexes can be vocal when defending territory.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud accelerating series of sharp, metallic notes or trills that carries through dense forest. Calls include harsh chips and scolds given from hidden perches within thickets.
Plumage
Compact, short-tailed tapaculo with dark gray face, throat, and breast, warm brown upperparts, and striking ochre to rufous flanks. Feathers often appear slightly mottled or dusky in the upperparts, enhancing camouflage in shadowy understory. Tail is very short and usually held cocked.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as beetles, ants, spiders, and insect larvae gleaned from leaf litter, moss, and rotting wood. Will probe among bamboo stems, roots, and fallen logs. Occasionally takes other small invertebrates and may opportunistically consume tiny seeds or berries.
Preferred Environment
Forages on or near the forest floor in dense bamboo, tangled understory, and along stream banks. Often uses cover to move silently while picking prey from leaves and debris.
