Image via Macaulay Library
Stiles's Tapaculo
- Scientific name
- Scytalopus stilesi
- Family
- Rhinocryptidae
- Conservation status
- Vulnerable
- Habitat
- Forest mixed
- Wing shape
- Rounded
- Tail shape
- Rounded
Where it came from
Stiles's Tapaculo was formally described as a new species in 2005 by ornithologists Paul Salaman, Thomas Donegan, and Arley Camargo. It is endemic to the humid montane forests of the Central Andes in Colombia, specifically within the Antioquia and Caldas departments. The discovery emerged from field surveys aimed at documenting the rich, yet poorly understood, avian diversity of the Neotropical highlands, where many species had previously been overlooked due to the cryptic nature of the Tapaculo genus.
The species was named in honor of F. Gary Stiles, a distinguished ornithologist whose extensive research into the birds of Colombia and Central America has been foundational for the field. Morphologically, the bird is distinguished by its rounded wings and rounded tail, features that are characteristic of the Rhinocryptidae family's adaptations for navigating dense understory foliage. It remains a subject of ongoing study, particularly regarding its vocalizations, which serve as the primary diagnostic tool for identification in the field.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Stiles's Tapaculo
Stiles's Tapaculo is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Stiles's Tapaculo on collecto.rs?
Stiles's Tapaculo doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Stiles's Tapaculo?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Stiles's Tapaculo catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Stiles's Tapaculo is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
