The white-winged tapaculo is a species of bird in the tapaculo family, Rhinocryptidae. It was described in 2020 by the American ornithologist Tom Schulenberg and his colleagues. It is known only from north-central Peru, where it inhabits wet shrub forest and montane forest. White-winged tapaculos are small and drab birds, being mostly gray in color with brownish, barred upperparts and tails, and a distinctive patch of white on the wing. Adults are 10–11 cm (3.9–4.3 in) long; males weigh 18.0–20.8 g (0.63–0.73 oz) and females weigh 16.5–18.0 g (0.58–0.63 oz). Despite their relatively distinctive appearance, their cryptic nature means that they are typically best identified by their vocalizations.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in the humid montane and elfin forests of north-central Peru, where it keeps to dense, wet understory. It favors thickets, Chusquea bamboo, and mossy ravines on steep slopes with abundant leaf litter. Birds often remain close to the ground and retreat into vine tangles at the slightest disturbance. It may use forest edges, roadcuts, and landslides where dense second growth persists.
Altitude Range
1800–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Described in 2020 by Tom Schulenberg and colleagues, the white-winged tapaculo is a recently recognized member of the tapaculo family (Rhinocryptidae) restricted to north-central Peru. It is a skulking understory bird that is heard far more often than seen, and the bold white wing patch can flash when it flicks its wings. The species was named in honor of ornithologist Niels Krabbe. Its voice is the most reliable way to detect and identify it in dense cloud-forest habitat.
Temperament
skulking and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories within dense understory. Males sing from low, concealed perches to advertise territory and attract mates. Nests are placed close to the ground, often in cavities or banks, and lined with moss and plant fibers.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a clear, repetitive series of sharp notes that may accelerate or change pace, carrying well through cloud forest. Calls include a dry tick or tchik used in close contact and alarm. Vocalizations are the primary means of detection.
Plumage
Mostly gray below with brownish, finely barred upperparts and tail; compact body with short, rounded wings and short tail. A distinctive white patch on the wing coverts is often visible when the bird flicks its wings.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small arthropods such as insects and spiders gleaned from leaf litter, mossy logs, and low vegetation. It probes and picks methodically near the ground and among tangled roots. Occasional ingestion of small berries may occur but is secondary to invertebrates.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense, shaded understory of humid montane forest, including bamboo thickets and mossy gullies. Often works along stream edges, landslides, and roadcut banks where cover is thick.
