Rusty-belted Tapaculo

About the Rusty-belted Tapaculo

The rusty-belted tapaculo (Liosceles thoracicus) is a species of suboscine passerine bird in the tapaculo family Rhinocryptidae. It is the only species placed in the genus Liosceles. It is found in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

The rusty-belted tapaculo is the only species in its genus; the genus and species were first described by Philip Lutley Sclater in 1865. Three subspecies are recognized: the nominate Liosceles thoracicus thoracicus, L. t. dugandi, and L. t. erithacus.

The rusty-belted tapaculo is genetically most closely related to the spotted bamboowren (Psilorhamphus guttatus). The rusty-belted tapaculo is 19.5 cm (7.7 in) long and weighs 39 to 42 g (1.4 to 1.5 oz). Its plumage is unlike that of any other tapaculo. The nominate subspecies has a grayish brown head with a white supercilium and a reddish brown back, wings, and rump. The throat is white with black streaks at the side, most of the breast is white, and the flanks and vent are barred with black, brown, and white. The upper breast has a yellow to orange brown band the gives the species its common name. Subspecies L. t. erithacus is browner on the head and the breast... Wikipedia →