The Planalto tapaculo is a small passerine bird in family Rhinocryptidae. It is found in southeastern Brazil and extreme northeastern Argentina.
Region
Southern and southeastern Brazil and extreme northeastern Argentina
Typical Environment
Occurs primarily in the southern Atlantic Forest and adjacent highland woodlands, including patches of dense Chusquea bamboo and secondary growth. Found from Rio Grande do Sul north through Santa Catarina and Paraná into parts of São Paulo, with a small range extension into Misiones, Argentina. It favors forest edges, shady ravines, and gallery forests within the planalto. Local presence can be patchy, tracking bamboo density and understory structure.
Altitude Range
600–1700 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Planalto tapaculo is a secretive understory bird of the Atlantic Forest and nearby highland woodlands, often detected by its rapid, trilling song rather than by sight. It was split from the Mouse-colored Tapaculo complex after vocal and genetic studies clarified differences. It keeps its tail cocked and moves mouse-like through dense bamboo and vine tangles, responding readily to playback.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, brief flights
Social Behavior
Usually found alone or in territorial pairs, keeping low in dense cover. Nests are typically globular or domed structures placed near the ground in thick vegetation. Pairs maintain small territories and communicate frequently with song and call notes, especially at dawn.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a fast, even trill or series of sharp notes that may accelerate slightly, carrying well through dense bamboo. Calls include dry ticks and chips given from concealed perches.
Plumage
Compact, plain-looking tapaculo with smooth, dark slate-gray underparts in males and browner tones in females; both sexes show brown to rufous-brown flanks and rump with fine barring. Tail is short and usually held cocked; wings short and rounded. Overall appearance is uniform and matte, aiding camouflage in shadowy understory.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small arthropods such as insects, spiders, and their larvae. Forages by gleaning from leaf litter, probing among bamboo culms, and picking prey from low stems and roots. It often moves quietly, taking advantage of cover to ambush or glean prey items. Occasional small seeds may be taken incidentally but are not a major component.
Preferred Environment
Prefers dense understory, especially bamboo thickets, vine tangles, and shaded forest edges. Often exploits microhabitats with abundant leaf litter and fallen branches where invertebrates are concentrated.
