Puna Tapaculo

Scytalopus simonsi

Tapaculos · Passeriformes · Rare

The Puna Tapaculo (Scytalopus simonsi) is a rare tapaculo found in 2 countries, weighing about 17 g. The puna tapaculo is a species of bird in the family Rhinocryptidae.

Least ConcernRareEats invertebratesforestcavity nest17 g

About the Puna Tapaculo

The puna tapaculo is a species of bird in the family Rhinocryptidae. It is found in Bolivia and Peru.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

How to identify it

The puna tapaculo is 10 to 12 cm (3.9 to 4.7 in) long. Three males weighed 15.7 to 20 g (0.55 to 0.71 oz) and a female 15.7 g (0.55 oz). The adult male's upper parts are gray, often washed with brown on the neck and back. It has a narrow pale supercilium. The throat and breast are also gray. The rump, flanks, and belly can be cinnamon or olive-buff and have dark bars. The adult female is similar to the males that have the brown wash; otherwise they may be paler. Immatures are paler overall but have a heavier brown wash on the upper parts. The entire underside is barred. Voice: The song of the puna tapaculo was described by D.L. Lane as "a series of descending churred phrases: tcherr tcherr tcherr tcherr ...." . Lane described a call as "a descending whinny: djee-ee-ee-eer" .

Where it lives

When to see it

Best months: January, February, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.

Easily confused with

Quick questions

How do you identify a Puna Tapaculo?
The puna tapaculo is 10 to 12 cm (3.9 to 4.7 in) long. Full identification notes are on this page.
How big is a Puna Tapaculo?
The Puna Tapaculo is a small sized bird weighing about 17 g.
Where can you see a Puna Tapaculo?
The Puna Tapaculo occurs in 2 countries, including Peru and Bolivia.
What birds look similar to a Puna Tapaculo?
The Puna Tapaculo is most easily confused with the Merida Tapaculo, the Chusquea Tapaculo and the Planalto Tapaculo.
Is the Puna Tapaculo endangered?
The Puna Tapaculo is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Learn the Puna Tapaculo for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

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