The slaty bristlefront is a member of the Neotropical bird family Rhinocryptidae, the tapaculos. It is endemic to south-east Brazil.
Region
Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid Atlantic Forest from southeastern Bahia through Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo to Santa Catarina. Prefers dense understory, thickets, and bamboo near streams and ravines. Most frequently found in primary or well-regenerated secondary forest with deep leaf litter. It is a terrestrial skulker, seldom venturing into open areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The slaty bristlefront is a secretive tapaculo with stiff, whisker-like bristles around the bill that help it probe dense understory. It often runs mouse-like along the forest floor and nests in burrows or earthen banks. Its duet-like, ringing whistles carry far in humid forest. Although locally fairly common, it is affected by ongoing loss and fragmentation of the Atlantic Forest.
Temperament
skulking and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; usually runs rather than flies
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs that defend year-round territories. Nests are placed in earthen tunnels or banks with a chamber lined with plant fibers. Pairs may perform antiphonal duets and remain close while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers loud, ringing whistles that accelerate or form a rising-falling series, often repeated from low hidden perches. Calls include sharp ticks and dry chatters used in contact between pair members.
