Scytalopus altirostris
The Neblina Tapaculo (*Scytalopus altirostris*) is a small, enigmatic songbird endemic to the high Andes of central Peru. Averaging 10-11 cm in length and weighing 14-18 grams, its plumage is typically dark grey, often with a brownish wash on the rump and flanks, which may exhibit fine, dusky barring, particularly in juveniles. Its most distinctive physical feature, giving rise to its scientific epithet 'altirostris' (high-billed), is a relatively deep and stout bill, though this is subtle an...
Found in dense undergrowth, cloud forests, elfin forests, and humid montane scrub, typically at high elevations between 2,500 and 3,700 meters, occasionally lower or higher.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on small invertebrates such as beetles, spiders, and insect larvae gleaned from the ground and dense undergrowth.
The Neblina Tapaculo is a highly terrestrial and exceptionally skulking bird, spending most of its time hopping and running through dense vegetation and leaf litter, rarely flying. It is primarily diurnal but can be active in low light conditions. Foraging involves meticulously gleaning small inv...
The Neblina Tapaculo is strictly endemic to the central Peruvian Andes, with a fragmented distribution along the eastern slopes. Its known range spans the departments of Junín, Pasco, and Huánuco. It typically inhabits a narrow elevational band, predominantly between 2,500 and 3,700 meters, thoug...
Vulnerable
- The name "Tapaculo" comes from Spanish and means "cover butt," referring to their habit of cocking their tail. - Its scientific epithet, *altirostris*, literally means "high-billed," distinguishing it from other similar species. - Despite its small size, it produces surprisingly loud and persis...