Large-footed tapaculo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Large-footed tapaculo |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Scytalopus
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| Species: |
macropus
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The large-footed tapaculo (Scytalopus macropus) is a special kind of bird. It belongs to the family Rhinocryptidae. This bird is found only in Peru, meaning it is endemic to that country.
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About the Large-footed Tapaculo
The large-footed tapaculo is about 14 centimeters (5.5 inches) long. It is the biggest bird in its group, the Scytalopus genus. Male tapaculos usually weigh between 36 and 43 grams (1.3 to 1.5 ounces). Females are a bit lighter, weighing around 32 to 32.5 grams (1.1 to 1.15 ounces).
What the Large-footed Tapaculo Looks Like
Adult large-footed tapaculos are a very dark gray color all over. Young tapaculos are also dark gray, but their color is a bit lighter. The feathers on their backs have dark brown tips. The feathers on their bellies have tips that are buff or off-white.
Where the Large-footed Tapaculo Lives
This unique bird lives only in the central Andes mountains of Peru. You can find it from the southern Amazonas region down to the Junín region. It prefers to live in damp, mossy areas. These areas are usually found along streams in special types of forests. These forests are called elfin forests and cloud forests. The large-footed tapaculo lives at high elevations. It can be found from 2,400 to 3,500 meters (7,900 to 11,500 feet) above sea level.
How the Large-footed Tapaculo Behaves
Scientists do not know much about what the large-footed tapaculo eats. They also do not know much about how it finds its food. Information about its reproduction and how it raises its young is also not available yet.
The Song of the Large-footed Tapaculo
The song of the large-footed tapaculo is quite simple. It is a series of notes that sound the same. The song usually ends with a different note, which is often higher pitched. You can listen to its song online here.
Conservation Status of the Large-footed Tapaculo
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has looked at the large-footed tapaculo. They have decided it is a species of "Least Concern." This means it is not currently in danger of disappearing. However, this bird lives in a small area. Also, not much is known about it. It is found in only one protected area. This means it is still important to keep an eye on its population.
