The spotted bamboowren is a species of suboscine passerine bird in the tapaculo family Rhinocryptidae. It is the only species placed in the genus Psilorhamphus. It is found in southeastern Brazil, far northeastern Argentina, and possibly Paraguay.
Region
Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil and Misiones, Argentina
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in the Atlantic Forest biome, from southeastern Brazil south into far northeastern Argentina (Misiones), and possibly adjacent Paraguay. It favors dense stands of native bamboo (e.g., Guadua and Merostachys) within humid forest, forest edges, and secondary growth. The species uses tangles, viney thickets, and understory near streams, remaining close to the ground. Its local distribution shifts as bamboo patches mature, flower, and die back.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The spotted bamboowren is a bamboo specialist and the sole species in the genus Psilorhamphus, within the tapaculo family Rhinocryptidae. It keeps to dense bamboo thickets where it creeps and hops mouse-like, often remaining unseen. Its presence can track the boom-and-bust cycles of bamboo stands, moving as patches age and regenerate.
Temperament
skulking and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, darting flights through understory
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs, sometimes with dependent young in small family groups. Territorial during breeding season, it nests low in dense cover where it remains well hidden. Nest structure is thought to be a well-concealed cup or domed nest placed in bamboo tangles.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a fast, tinkling series of high-pitched notes accelerating into a buzzy trill. Calls include sharp chips and thin squeaks, often given from deep cover and used in duet-like exchanges between pair members.
Plumage
Warm brown to rufescent plumage heavily spotted and mottled with whitish on the head, mantle, and underparts; fine barring on wings and tail. Feathers appear soft and dense, aiding camouflage in bamboo shade.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as insects, spiders, and their larvae. It gleans prey from bamboo leaves, culms, and nodes, and probes crevices in dense tangles. Occasionally takes small prey from the ground or by short sallies to nearby stems.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within dense bamboo stands and adjacent thickets inside humid forest. Often forages within one to two meters of the ground, using cover for protection and to ambush small invertebrates.
