Ocellated Tapaculo

The Ocellated Tapaculo (<em>Acropternis orthonyx</em>) is a member of the family Rhinocryptidae, a group of secretive, ground-dwelling birds found primarily in South America. Unlike the reed-warblers of the family Acrocephalidae, tapaculos are typically associated with dense understory vegetation in montane forest environments. This species inhabits forest habitats, and like most tapaculos it is presumed to spend the majority of its time foraging on or near the ground among leaf litter and dense ground cover. Detailed plumage and behavioral descriptions of this species are limited in the available literature. Nesting and clutch size data are not currently available. The Ocellated Tapaculo is assessed as Least Concern, reflecting a population that is not considered to face elevated extinction risk at present. Its name alludes to its distinctive ocellated, or eye-like, patterning, which is notable among the otherwise cryptically plumaged tapaculos. Further ecological study would help clarify its range, habitat requirements, and breeding biology.