The Paramo tapaculo is a species of bird in the family Rhinocryptidae. It is found in the Andes of Ecuador and southern Colombia.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in the high Andes of southern Colombia and Ecuador, primarily in páramo grasslands, shrubbery, and at the margins of elfin forest. It favors dense, humid ground cover with mossy thickets, low shrubs, and Chusquea bamboo. Birds often keep close to gullies, boggy flats, and stream headwaters where cover is thickest. It is generally patchy but can be locally common where intact páramo habitat persists.
Altitude Range
3000–4300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Paramo tapaculo is a secretive ground-dweller of high Andean páramo and elfin-forest edges, more often heard than seen. Its taxonomy is complex, with closely related, look-alike species best separated by voice. It spends much of its time creeping through dense cover with its tail cocked and delivers persistent songs from hidden perches.
Temperament
skulking and secretive
Flight Pattern
short, low, rapid flights; mostly runs through dense cover
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories year-round. Pairs nest low, often in cavities, earthen banks, or dense vegetation, constructing domed nests of moss and grasses. Breeding activity peaks during wetter months when insect prey is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a loud, repetitive series of sharp notes that can accelerate or remain steady for many seconds. Males sing persistently from concealed perches, especially at dawn and in overcast weather. Calls include dry ticks and short trills given from within thick cover.
