Paramillo tapaculo


The Paramillo tapaculo is a species of bird in the family Rhinocryptidae.

Taxonomy

It has traditionally included the more widespread S. opacus as a subspecies, but under the common name Paramo tapaculo. The two have different voices, leading to them being split into separate species in 2010.

Distribution and habitat

The Paramillo tapaculo is endemic to humid highland scrub in the Cordillera Occidental in Colombia. At present it is only known from Páramo de Paramillo and Páramo de Frontino. It may occur elsewhere in the Cordillera Occidental of Colombia. It is restricted to a narrow swath of treeline vegetation situated between montane forest and Páramo grasslands that is often just hundreds of meters wide.

Description

The Paramillo tapaculo resembles other Scytalopus tapaculos, being overall dark grey, but lacking the brown lower flanks of the Paramo tapaculo.

Status and conservation

Given the estimated extent of occurrence and observed decline in the extent and quality of habitat, the Paramillo tapaculo has an IUCN status of endangered. While locally common, the estimated area of suitable habitat within the known range of the Paramillo tapaculo is 3 km2 in total. Only 0.1 km2 is effectively protected by the Fundación ProAves Colibri del Sol Bird Reserve. Páramo de Paramillo is a national park, but very poorly protected.