Diademed tapaculo

The diademed tapaculo has at various times been thought to be closely related to puna tapaculo (Scytalopus simonsi), Vilcabamba tapaculo (S. urubambae), and silvery-fronted tapaculo (S. argentifrons), though the last appears the least likely.[3]

The diademed tapaculo is 10 cm (3.9 in) long; two males weighed 15.2 and 17 g (0.54 and 0.60 oz). The species gets its name from the males' silvery forecrown and supercilium set off by a black "mask" below the supercilium. The male's upper parts are dark gray washed with brown, and it has an orange red rump with dusky bars. It is gray below, lighter to darker front to rear. The flanks and vent, like the rump, are orange red with dusky bars. The female is similar but the "diadem" is smaller and duller and the upper parts' brown wash is darker. The juvenile is a golden brown that is lighter on the underside and has bars and spots throughout.[3]

The diademed tapaculo's range extends from the Cordillera Vilcanota in Peru's Department of Cuzco southeast to the Cochabamba Department of Bolivia. It is found in bamboo and other dense undergrowth of humid montane forest near tree line, at elevations of 2,800 to 3,400 m (9,200 to 11,200 ft).[3]

The IUCN has assessed the diademed tapaculo as being of Least Concern. Though its population size has not been determined, it appears to be stable. The species occurs in several protected areas.[1][3]