Rhinocryptini
Tribe of small, secretive birds known for their vocalizations.
Rhinocryptini is a taxonomic tribe proposed for the tapaculos, a family of small suboscine passerine birds traditionally placed in the family Rhinocryptidae. Based on analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data, tapaculos may be better merged into the Formicariidae as tribe Rhinocryptini, as they are closer to the antthrushes than either is to the true antpittas. These birds are found mainly in South America, with the highest diversity in the Andean regions, and three species occur in southern Central America.
- field
- Ornithology
- known_for
- Skulking, terrestrial birds with poor flight, strong legs, and cryptic plumage; vocalizations are key for identification
- distribution
- Mainly South America, especially Andean regions; three species in southern Central America
- size_range
- 10–24 cm (4–9½ in) total length
- conservation_status
- One vulnerable, three endangered, two critically endangered species (as of 2007)
Lore & Background
The tapaculos are small to medium-sized birds, ranging from 10 to 24 cm in length. They are terrestrial species that fly only poorly on their short wings, possessing strong legs well-suited to grassland or forest undergrowth. The tail is cocked and pointed toward the head, and the name tapaculo probably derives from Spanish for loincloth, or alternatively from the Chilean name for the white-throated tapaculo, an onomatopoeic reference to its song. Most species are small blackish or brown birds, though some are larger and more colorful. All are skulking, staying low in dense vegetation, making them difficult to see; they are best located and identified by their vocalisations, especially in the genus Scytalopus.
Reader's Guide
The tribe Rhinocryptini represents a group of birds whose taxonomic placement has been debated. Traditionally placed in the family Rhinocryptidae, more recent research based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data suggests they might be better merged into the Formicariidae as tribe Rhinocryptini, being closer to antthrushes than to true antpittas. An alternative family name, Pteroptochidae, has been used historically. The species-limits within the genus Scytalopus have been historically difficult to determine due to highly cryptic birds; identification using visual features is often impossible, requiring vocal and biochemical data. Only ten species were recognized in this genus in 1970, while the figure now is more than four times as high, with several new species described in recent years and still undescribed species known to exist. Some species have highly localized distributions and, being poor fliers, easily become isolated in small populations. As of 2007, BirdLife International considered one species vulnerable, three endangered, and two critically endangered, the latter restricted to Atlantic forest of eastern Brazil and only recently rediscovered after several years without records.
Did You Know?
- The name tapaculo probably derives from Spanish for loincloth, or from the Chilean name for the white-throated tapaculo, an onomatopoeic reference to its song.
- Only ten species were recognized in the genus Scytalopus in 1970, while the figure is now more than four times as high.
- Two critically endangered species, Eleoscytalopus psychopompus and Merulaxis stresemanni, are restricted to Atlantic forest of eastern Brazil and were only recently rediscovered after several years without records.
- Tapaculos feed on insects, seeds and other soft plant material, scratching on the ground like a pheasant.
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