Merulaxis stresemanni
The Stresemann's Bristlefront (*Merulaxis stresemanni*) is an exceptionally rare and enigmatic tapaculo, often dubbed a 'Lazarus species' due to its rediscovery in 1995 after more than 50 years without a confirmed sighting. This small, dark, and highly secretive passerine measures approximately 18.5-19.5 cm in length and weighs around 42-50 grams. Its most distinctive field mark is the stiff, bristle-like feathers on its forehead, more prominent in males, which give the species its common nam...
This highly specialized species inhabits dense, humid undergrowth within mature, undisturbed Atlantic Forest, typically at elevations ranging from 400 to 700 meters above sea level.
The diet consists primarily of small invertebrates, including beetles, ants, spiders, and larvae, foraged by gleaning from the forest floor and low-lying vegetation.
Stresemann's Bristlefronts are almost entirely terrestrial, moving stealthily through the dense leaf litter and tangled vegetation on the forest floor. They are largely diurnal but exceedingly difficult to observe due to their secretive nature, often detected only by their distinctive vocalizatio...
The Stresemann's Bristlefront is endemic to a severely restricted and fragmented range within the Atlantic Forest of eastern Bahia, Brazil. Its entire known population is confined to a handful of isolated forest fragments, primarily within the Serra do Ouricana and the privately protected Mata do...
Critically Endangered
- The Stresemann's Bristlefront was considered lost for over 50 years until its rediscovery in 1995, earning it the nickname 'Lazarus species'. - It is named after Erwin Stresemann, a prominent German ornithologist. - As of recent estimates, the global population is believed to be fewer than 15 i...