Páramo Tapaculo

Appearance

The Paramo tapaculo resembles other "Scytalopus" tapaculos. It is approximately 10.5 cm long. Males weigh 13.9 to 17.9 g and females 13.4 to 16 g. Males are very dark gray above and medium to dark gray on most of the underside. The flanks and vent area are tawny to dark brown with darker barring. The female is brown above and pale to medium gray on most of the underside. Like the male it has brownish flanks and vent area. The juveniles are highly variable, but generally have shades of brown and barring above and shades of gray and buff below with or without barring.

Distribution

The Paramo tapaculo ranges the central Andes from southern Colombia to south-central Ecuador. It generally inhabits shrub and scrublands at and above treeline but can also be found in "Polylepis" woodland and high elevation humid forest. Its elevation range is typically between 3,050 and 4,000 m. It is believed to be sedentary.

Status

The IUCN has rated the Paramo tapaculo as being of Least Concern. Its range spans approximately 188,000 km². Its population has not been determined but is believed to be stable. The species is fairly common and it occurs in several protected areas in both Colombia and Ecuador.

Behavior

The Paramo tapaculo forages on and near the ground for small arthropods and occasionally for berries.

Little is known about the Paramo tapaculo's breeding phenology. Females with brood patches and juveniles have been collected in March, May, and November.

Habitat

The Paramo tapaculo ranges the central Andes from southern Colombia to south-central Ecuador. It generally inhabits shrub and scrublands at and above treeline but can also be found in "Polylepis" woodland and high elevation humid forest. Its elevation range is typically between 3,050 and 4,000 m. It is believed to be sedentary.