Merida Tapaculo
Scytalopus meridanus
Merida Tapaculo (Scytalopus meridanus) — Songbirds & Perching Birds of South America.
The Merida Tapaculo (Scytalopus meridanus) is a member of the Rhinocryptidae family found in South America. Adults weigh 20 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Least Concern.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (opens in a new tab)Widespread and abundant — not currently at risk.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Passeriformes
- Family Rhinocryptidae Tapaculos
- Genus Scytalopus
- Species meridanus
Quick facts
- Weight
- 20 g
- Diet
- Invertebrate-eaters
- Family
- Rhinocryptidae
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Habitat
- Woodland
How to identify
Similar birds
Not Evaluated
Least Concern
Least Concern
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Merida Tapaculo is a invertivore — it feeds mainly on invertebrates such as insects and other small prey.
Behaviour
A bird of dense forest, it forages mainly on the ground.
Migration
The Merida Tapaculo is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Merida Tapaculo (Scytalopus meridanus) is a species of bird in the Rhinocryptidae family, part of the order Passeriformes. It is found across South America. Its distribution covers SA nw Venezuela.
It is a small bird. Adults weighs around 20 g, with a wing length of about 5.3 cm and a tail of around 3.6 cm.
The IUCN Red List currently assesses it as Least Concern. That category covers species that remain widespread and reasonably abundant in the wild.
Its mapped global range covers an estimated 21,000 km² — a relatively restricted global range.
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Merida Tapaculo?
The Merida Tapaculo is a small bird that weighs around 20 g.
Where does the Merida Tapaculo live?
The Merida Tapaculo is found across South America with a range covering SA nw Venezuela, where it is typically found in wooded and forested habitats.
What family does the Merida Tapaculo belong to?
The Merida Tapaculo (Scytalopus meridanus) belongs to the Rhinocryptidae family, in the order Passeriformes.
What does the Merida Tapaculo eat?
The Merida Tapaculo is a invertivore — it feeds mainly on invertebrates such as insects and other small prey.
Does the Merida Tapaculo migrate?
The Merida Tapaculo is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Is the Merida Tapaculo endangered?
The IUCN Red List currently assesses it as Least Concern That category covers species that remain widespread and reasonably abundant in the wild.
What sound does the Merida Tapaculo make?
1 real field recording of the Merida Tapaculo — including its song — can be played in the Songs & calls section on this page, credited to the recordist who captured it.
How large is the Merida Tapaculo's range?
The Merida Tapaculo has a mapped global range of about 21,000 km².
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
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