Ancash tapaculo

Scytalopus affinis

The Ancash tapaculo is a species of bird in the family Rhinocryptidae. It is endemic to Peru.
Ancash tapaculo (Scytalopus affinis) Quebrada Llaca, Ancash, Peru. Jul 22, 2023 Ancash tapaculo,Geotagged,Peru,Scytalopus affinis,Winter

Appearance

The male Ancash tapaculo's head and upper back are gray and the rest of the upper parts dark brown. The underparts are pale gray, and the flanks and vent are buffy with distinct bars. The female is similar but the upper parts are browner. The juvenile's head and upper back are brownish gray and the rest of the upper parts olive brown; all are barred. The underparts are gray, and the flanks and vent are olive brown with dusky bars.

Distribution

The Ancash tapaculo was described from the Department of Ancash, Peru. Since then it has been recorded in the adjoining departments of La Libertad, Huánuco, and Lima. It is found at elevations of 3,000 to 4,600 m.

Status

The IUCN has assessed the Ancash tapaculo as being of Least Concern. Though it has a small range and an unknown population size, the population appears to be stable and not under immediate threat.

Habitat

It inhabits tussocky high elevation grassland and rocky areas with grass. It is often found in or near "Polylepis" woodland or "Gynoxys" shrubs.

Reproduction

There is also little known about the Ancash tapaculo's breeding behavior. Two nests were balls of grass and moss with a side entrance. Eggs and nestlings have been reported in February.

Food

Little is known about the Ancash tapaculo's diet and foraging phenology, though the species is assumed to be insectivorous.

References:

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Status: Least concern
EX EW CR EN VU NT LC
Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionChordata
ClassAves
OrderPasseriformes
FamilyRhinocryptidae
GenusScytalopus
SpeciesS. affinis
Photographed in
Peru