Tschudi's tapaculo is a species of bird in the family Rhinocryptidae. It is endemic to Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs on the east-facing slopes of the central Peruvian Andes in humid montane and elfin forests. Prefers dense understory with mossy tangles, bamboo (Chusquea), and shrubby edges near ravines and streams. Often remains within a meter or two of the ground, moving through thick cover. It can be locally common where suitable habitat persists, including forest borders and disturbed patches with dense regrowth.
Altitude Range
2400–4200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Tschudi's tapaculo is a shy, ground-dwelling bird of dense Andean undergrowth, most often detected by its distinctive, accelerating series of notes. Like many Scytalopus, it is notoriously difficult to see and is identified primarily by voice. It favors mossy thickets and Chusquea bamboo, where it forages low to the ground. Endemic to Peru, it occupies humid montane forests along the central Andean slopes.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered alone or in pairs, keeping to dense cover and moving mouse-like along the ground. Nests are typically domed or ball-like structures concealed near the ground in thick vegetation or earthen banks. Territorial songs are delivered from hidden perches within tangles. Breeding behavior is poorly known but presumed similar to other Scytalopus.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a steady, accelerating series of clear notes or chips that can continue for many seconds. Calls include sharp ticks and soft chatters given from deep cover, often at dawn and dusk.
Plumage
Compact, short-tailed tapaculo with mostly dark slaty-gray plumage and brownish tones on the back and flanks; flanks often show fine dusky barring.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods such as insects and spiders gleaned from leaf litter and low vegetation. Probes among moss, roots, and bamboo stems, often hopping and flicking leaves aside. May take small larvae and other invertebrates opportunistically. Rarely, it may sip tiny fruits or seeds, but animal prey dominates.
Preferred Environment
Forages on or near the ground within dense understory, bamboo thickets, and mossy forest tangles. Often along trails, stream edges, and landslide scars where cover is thick but access to the ground is available.
