Scytalopus superciliaris
The White-browed Tapaculo (Scytalopus superciliaris) is a small, enigmatic passerine belonging to the Rhinocryptidae family, known for its secretive, terrestrial habits within the dense undergrowth of the high Andes. Measuring about 10-11 cm in length and weighing 15-20 grams, this compact bird features a dark slate-gray plumage, often with darker flight feathers and distinctive rufous-barred flanks that help it blend into its complex habitat. Its most striking field mark, and the origin of i...
Resides in dense, humid undergrowth of high-altitude montane forests, shrubby woodlands, and ravines, typically between 2,000 to 4,000 meters elevation in the Andes.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on small insects, spiders, and other invertebrates gleaned from the forest floor and low vegetation.
This highly terrestrial species is exceptionally secretive, moving rapidly and almost exclusively on the ground through dense vegetation, rarely perching in the open, and is most active during dawn and dusk. Foraging involves hopping along the forest floor, meticulously picking insects and other ...
The White-browed Tapaculo is a resident species endemic to the high Andes of South America, exhibiting no migratory patterns and remaining in its altitudinal range year-round. Its distribution extends from extreme southern Peru, specifically the Puno region, southward through much of Bolivia, enc...
Least Concern
- Named for its most striking feature: the prominent white stripe above its eye, which helps differentiate it from similar-looking tapaculos. - Despite its loud and distinctive calls, it is notoriously difficult to observe, often referred to as a "ghost bird" by birders due to its secretive habit...