Choco Tapaculo

The Chocó tapaculo, a diminutive bird measuring a mere 11 cm in length, is a member of the Rhinocryptidae family. Males typically weigh between 19 to 22.5 grams, while females are slightly lighter at 17 to 20.1 grams. The male boasts a dark gray mantle, a lower back tinged with gray and brown, and a rump of dark brown adorned with dusky bars. Below, it transitions to a lighter gray, culminating in a reddish-brown lower belly with dark barring. Females share a similar coloration, though the brownish wash extends to the head, and the throat is a lighter gray than the upper breast. Occasionally, the lower belly may exhibit a yellowish wash. Juveniles are distinguishable by their drab brown upper parts, save for the dark brown rump, and display barring below.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Chocó tapaculo, look for its small stature and the distinctive reddish-brown lower belly with dark bars. The male's dark gray mantle and the female's brownish wash on the head are key characteristics. The lighter gray throat and potential yellowish wash on the lower belly can also aid in identification.

Habitat

This species is primarily found in the dense understory of humid primary forests, though it can also be encountered at forest edges.

Distribution

The Chocó tapaculo inhabits two small regions on the Pacific slope of eastern Panama and a narrow band stretching from western Colombia into northwestern Ecuador. Its elevation range varies from 1,340 to 1,465 meters in Panama and from 250 to 1,250 meters in Colombia and Ecuador.

Behaviour

The Chocó tapaculo is known to forage on the ground, primarily hunting for insects.

Song & calls

The song of the Chocó tapaculo is a resonant series lasting 5-60 seconds, with the initial notes often slightly lower-pitched and delivered at a faster rate. Its call consists of a series of short, sharp notes.

Breeding

Breeding behavior has been observed with a female displaying active gonads in February and nests with juveniles found in August. The nest, a 12 cm diameter ball of rootlets and moss, is typically concealed in leaf litter and attended by both adult birds.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Chocó tapaculo as Least Concern. Despite its somewhat limited range and unknown population numbers, both are presumed to be large enough to secure this status.