Ocellated Tapaculo

Acropternis orthonyx (Lafresnaye, 1843)

Ocellated Tapaculo, Acropternis orthonyx, is a passerine of the northern Andes in South America, breeding from north-west Venezuela to north-west Peru. It belongs to the Rhinocryptidae and is a notably distinctive tapaculo. It is a forest bird that stays close to the ground, most often in bamboo along the forest floor, and is usually found alone or in pairs. It is associated with humid, fairly low forest where dense bamboo thickets form an important part of the understorey. It is more often heard than seen, and its loud whistle can carry a long way.

Order

Passeriformes

Family

Rhinocryptidae — Tapaculos

Breeding range

South America: nw Venezuela to nw Peru