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Some species have highly localized distributions and, being poor fliers, they easily become isolated in small populations. [[BirdLife International]] currently (2007) consider one species [[Vulnerable species|vulnerable]] (''Scytalopus panamensis''), three species [[endangered]] ([[Scytalopus iraiensis|''S. iraiensis'']], ''[[Scytalopus rodriguezi|S. rodriguezi]]'' and ''[[Scytalopus robbinsi|S. robbinsi]]''), and two species [[critically endangered]] ([[Bahia tapaculo|''Eleoscytalopus psychopompus'']] and ''[[Merulaxis stresemanni]]''). The two critically endangered species are restricted to [[Atlantic forest]] of eastern Brazil, and were only recently rediscovered after several years without any records.
Some species have highly localized distributions and, being poor fliers, they easily become isolated in small populations. [[BirdLife International]] currently (2007) consider one species [[Vulnerable species|vulnerable]] (''Scytalopus panamensis''), three species [[endangered]] ([[Scytalopus iraiensis|''S. iraiensis'']], ''[[Scytalopus rodriguezi|S. rodriguezi]]'' and ''[[Scytalopus robbinsi|S. robbinsi]]''), and two species [[critically endangered]] ([[Bahia tapaculo|''Eleoscytalopus psychopompus'']] and ''[[Merulaxis stresemanni]]''). The two critically endangered species are restricted to [[Atlantic forest]] of eastern Brazil, and were only recently rediscovered after several years without any records.


==Systematics==
==Taxonomy==
The tapaculos were traditionally placed in a distinct [[family (biology)|family]] '''Rhinocryptidae'''; more recent research<ref name=Irestedt>{{Cite journal | last1=Irestedt | first1=M. | last2=Fjeldså | first2=J. | last3=Johansson | first3=U.S. | last4=Ericson | first4=P.G.P. | date=2002 | title=Systematic relationships and biogeography of the tracheophone suboscines (Aves: Passeriformes) | journal=Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution | volume=23 | issue=3 | pages=499-512 | doi=10.1016/S1055-7903(02)00034-9}}</ref><ref name=Rice2005a>{{Cite journal | last=Rice | first=Nathan H. | date=2005 | title=Phylogenetic relationships of antpitta genera (Passeriformes: Formicariidae) | journal=The Auk | volume=122 | issue=2 | pages=673-683 | doi=10.1093/auk/122.2.673 | doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name=Rice2005b>{{Cite journal | last=Rice | first=Nathan H. | date=2005 | title=Further evidence for paraphyly of the Formicariidae (Passeriformes) | journal=The Condor | volume=107 | issue=4 | pages=910-915 | doi=10.1093/condor/107.4.910 | doi-access=free}}</ref> indicates that according to analysis of [[mtDNA|mt]] and [[nDNA]] [[DNA sequence|sequence]] data, the tapaculos might be better merged into the [[Formicariidae]] as [[tribe (biology)|tribe]] '''Rhinocryptini''', as they are closer to the antthrushes than either is to the true [[antpitta]]s.
The tapaculos were traditionally placed in a distinct [[family (biology)|family]] '''Rhinocryptidae'''; more recent research<ref name=Irestedt>{{Cite journal | last1=Irestedt | first1=M. | last2=Fjeldså | first2=J. | last3=Johansson | first3=U.S. | last4=Ericson | first4=P.G.P. | date=2002 | title=Systematic relationships and biogeography of the tracheophone suboscines (Aves: Passeriformes) | journal=Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution | volume=23 | issue=3 | pages=499-512 | doi=10.1016/S1055-7903(02)00034-9}}</ref><ref name=Rice2005a>{{Cite journal | last=Rice | first=Nathan H. | date=2005 | title=Phylogenetic relationships of antpitta genera (Passeriformes: Formicariidae) | journal=The Auk | volume=122 | issue=2 | pages=673-683 | doi=10.1093/auk/122.2.673 | doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name=Rice2005b>{{Cite journal | last=Rice | first=Nathan H. | date=2005 | title=Further evidence for paraphyly of the Formicariidae (Passeriformes) | journal=The Condor | volume=107 | issue=4 | pages=910-915 | doi=10.1093/condor/107.4.910 | doi-access=free}}</ref> indicates that according to analysis of [[mtDNA|mt]] and [[nDNA]] [[DNA sequence|sequence]] data, the tapaculos might be better merged into the [[Formicariidae]] as [[tribe (biology)|tribe]] '''Rhinocryptini''', as they are closer to the antthrushes than either is to the true [[antpitta]]s.


⚫
An alternative family name Pteroptochidae, has been used historically.{{sfn|Krabbe|Schulenberg|2003|p=748}}
Alternatively, the latter might be raised to family status. In this case, it would be possible to maintain the tapaculos as a separate family too, but it would seem altogether more warranted to consider them a [[subfamily]] of the Formicariinae ''sensu stricto'', which would be called '''Rhinocryptinae'''.


The phylogenetic tree shown below is based on a large-scale genetic study of the [[suboscines]] by Michael Harvey and collaborators that was published in 2020.<ref name=harvey>{{Cite journal | last1=Harvey | first1=M.G. | display-authors=etal | date=2020 | title=The evolution of a tropical biodiversity hotspot | journal=Science | volume=370 | issue=6522 | pages=1343-1348 | doi=10.1126/science.aaz6970 }} A high resolution version of the phylogenetic tree in Figure 1 is available from the first author's website [http://www.harveybirdlab.org/docs/Harveyetal2020_Fig1_tree_HiRes.pdf here].</ref> The species numbers are from the list maintained by the [[International Ornithologists' Union]] (IOC).<ref name=ioc/>
Whether this latter approach, the placement as a tribe in a tapaculo-antthrush Formicariinae subfamily, or maintenance as a separate family is to be preferred depends on whether the true antpittas are closer to the tapaculos and true antbirds, or rather to the ''[[Pittasoma]]'' "gnatthrushes" and other gnateaters and the true [[antbird]]s. There are some, albeit very tentative, indications that the latter may indeed be the case, which would be reflected in the placement of the tapaculos as subfamily Rhinocryptinae, with the Formicariinae being restricted to the true antthrushes.<ref name=Rice2005a/> Today, the tapaculos continue in the Rhinocryptidae until the systematics can be further defined.


⚫
{{clade | style=font-size:90%;line-height:90%
Apparently not ''all'' tapaculo genera would have to be moved to the formicariids.<ref name=Irestedt/> As the [[type genus]] ''Rhinocrypta'' certainly would, any distinct genera (such as the peculiar [[crescent-chest]]s) would need a new family name.

⚫
An alternative family name Pteroptochidae, has been used historically.{{sfn|Krabbe|Schulenberg|2003|p=748}}

{{Cladogram|caption= [[Cladogram]] based on Ericson, P.G.P. ''et al''. (2010).<ref>{{Cite journal | last1=Ericson | first1=P.G.P. | last2=Olson | first2=S.L. | last3=Irestedt | first3=M. | last4=Alvarenga | first4=H. | last5=Fjeldså | first5=J. | date=2010 | title=Circumscription of a monophyletic family for the tapaculos (Aves: Rhinocryptidae): ''Psiloramphus'' in and ''Melanopareia'' out | journal=Journal of Ornithology | volume=151 | issue=2 | pages=337-345 | doi=10.1007/s10336-009-0460-9 | doi-access=free}}</ref>
⚫
|clades={{clade | style=font-size:100%;line-height:80%
|label1='''Rhinocryptidae'''
|label1='''Rhinocryptidae'''
|1={{Clade
|1={{Clade
|label1=
|1={{clade
|1={{Clade
|1={{Clade
|1=''[[Pteroptochos]]'' – huet-huets and moustached turca (3 species)
⚫
|label1=
|2=''[[Scelorchilus]]'' – tapaculos (2 species)
|1={{Clade
|1=''[[Liosceles]]''
⚫
|2=''[[Psilorhamphus]]''
}}
}}
|label2=
|2={{Clade
|2={{Clade
|1={{Clade
|1=''[[Teledromas]]''
|1=''[[Liosceles]]'' – rusty-belted tapaculo
⚫
|2=''[[Psilorhamphus]]'' – spotted bamboowren
⚫
|label2=
⚫
}}
|2={{Clade
|2={{Clade
|1=''[[Rhinocrypta]]''
|1=''[[Acropternis]]'' – ocellated tapaculo
|2=''[[Acropternis]]''
|2={{Clade
⚫
|1=''[[Rhinocrypta]]'' – crested gallito
⚫
|2=''[[Teledromas]]'' – sandy gallito
⚫
}}
}}
}}
}}
}}
}}
}}
|label2=
|2={{Clade
|2={{Clade
|label1=
|1={{Clade
|1={{Clade
|1=''[[Pteroptochos]]''
|1=''[[Eleoscytalopus]]'' – tapaculos (2 species)
|2=''[[Scelorchilus]]''
|2=''[[Merulaxis]]'' – bristlefronts (2 species)
}}
}}
|label2=
|2={{Clade
|1=''[[Myornis]]'' – ash-colored tapaculo
|2={{Clade
|label1=
|1={{Clade
|1=''[[Eleoscytalopus]]''
|2=''[[Merulaxis]]''
}}
|label2=
|2={{Clade
|2={{Clade
|1=''[[Myornis]]''
|1=''[[Eugralla]]'' – ochre-flanked tapaculo
|label2=
|2=''[[Scytalopus]]'' – tapaculos (49 species)
|2={{Clade
⚫
|1=''[[Eugralla]]''
⚫
|2=''[[Scytalopus]]''
}}
}}
}}
}}
}}
}}
}}
}}
}}
}}
}}
}}


⚫
The species-limits within the genus ''[[Scytalopus]]'' have historically been difficult to determine. They are highly [[Crypsis|cryptic]], and identification using visual features often is impossible. Vocal and [[biochemical]] data is typically needed to clarify the [[Taxonomy (biology)|taxonomic]] status of the various populations. Several [[Bird species new to science described in the 2000s|new species]] have been described in recent years (e.g. [[Scytalopus whitneyi|''S. whitneyi'']] and [[Scytalopus frankeae|''S. frankeae'']] from [[Peru]]). The Brazilian taxa are similarly complex with several recently described species and considerable confusion surrounding the use of the scientific name ''[[Scytalopus speluncae]]''.
===Taxonomy of ''Scytalopus''===
⚫
The species-limits within the genus ''[[Scytalopus]]'' is among the most complex matters in [[Neotropical]] [[ornithology]]. They are highly [[Crypsis|cryptic]], and identification using visual features often is impossible. Vocal and [[biochemical]] data is typically needed to clarify the [[Taxonomy (biology)|taxonomic]] status of the various populations. Several [[Bird species new to science described in the 2000s|new species]] have been described in recent years (e.g. [[Scytalopus whitneyi|''S. whitneyi'']] and [[Scytalopus frankeae|''S. frankeae'']] from [[Peru]]). The Brazilian taxa are similarly complex with several recently described species and considerable confusion surrounding the use of the scientific name ''[[Scytalopus speluncae]]''.


Additionally, still undescribed species are known to exist, while some species as currently defined actually may include several species (e.g. the southern population of the [[large-footed tapaculo]] may represent a yet undescribed species). The confusing situation is perhaps best illustrated by the fact that only ten species were recognized in this genus in 1970, while the figure now is more than four times as high.{{sfn|Krabbe|Schulenberg|2003|p=751}}<ref name=ioc>{{cite web| editor1-last=Gill | editor1-first=Frank | editor1-link=Frank Gill (ornithologist) | editor2-last=Donsker | editor2-first=David | editor3-last=Rasmussen | editor3-first=Pamela | editor3-link=Pamela Rasmussen | date=January 2023 | title=Antthrushes, antpittas, gnateaters, tapaculos, crescentchests | work=IOC World Bird List Version 13.1 | url=https://www.worldbirdnames.org/bow/antthrushes/ | publisher=International Ornithologists' Union | accessdate=16 March 2023}}</ref>
Additionally, still undescribed species are known to exist, while some species as currently defined actually may include several species (e.g. the southern population of the [[large-footed tapaculo]] may represent a yet undescribed species). The confusing situation is perhaps best illustrated by the fact that only ten species were recognized in this genus in 1970, while the figure now is more than four times as high.{{sfn|Krabbe|Schulenberg|2003|p=751}}<ref name=ioc>{{cite web| editor1-last=Gill | editor1-first=Frank | editor1-link=Frank Gill (ornithologist) | editor2-last=Donsker | editor2-first=David | editor3-last=Rasmussen | editor3-first=Pamela | editor3-link=Pamela Rasmussen | date=January 2023 | title=Antthrushes, antpittas, gnateaters, tapaculos, crescentchests | work=IOC World Bird List Version 13.1 | url=https://www.worldbirdnames.org/bow/antthrushes/ | publisher=International Ornithologists' Union | accessdate=16 March 2023}}</ref>

Revision as of 09:39, 17 March 2023

Tapaculos
Moustached turca (Pteroptochos megapodius)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Parvorder: Furnariida
Family: Rhinocryptidae
Wetmore, 1930
Genera
Synonyms

Pteroptochidae

The tapaculos /ˌtɑːpɑːˈkuːloʊz, ˌtæpə-/ or tapacolos /-ˈkoʊ-/[1][2][3] are a family, Rhinocryptidae, of small suboscine passerine birds, found mainly in South America and with the highest diversity in the Andean regions. Three species (Chocó, Tacarcuna, and the silvery-fronted) are found in southern Central America.

Description

Tapaculos are small to medium-sized birds, with a total length ranging from 10–24 cm (4–9½ in). These are terrestrial species that fly only poorly on their short wings. They have strong legs, well-suited to their habitat of grassland or forest undergrowth. The tail is cocked and pointed towards the head, and the name tapaculo probably derives from Spanish for loincloth (literally "cover your behind" --because it ought to). Another possible explanation is that it originates from the Chilean name for the white-throated tapaculo, simply tapaculo, which is an onomatopoeic reference to its commonly heard song.

While the majority of the family are small blackish or brown birds there are some larger and more colourful species. All tapaculos are skulking birds that frequently stay low in dense vegetation, even the larger, colorful species, and this renders them difficult to see. They are best located and – in the case of Scytalopus spp. – identified by their vocalisations.

They feed on insects, seeds and other soft plant material with their pointed bills, and will scratch on the ground like a pheasant.

Most species lay two or three white eggs in a covered location, whether it be a burrow, a hole in a tree, or a domed nest.[4]

Status and conservation

Some species have highly localized distributions and, being poor fliers, they easily become isolated in small populations. BirdLife International currently (2007) consider one species vulnerable (Scytalopus panamensis), three species endangered (S. iraiensis, S. rodriguezi and S. robbinsi), and two species critically endangered (Eleoscytalopus psychopompus and Merulaxis stresemanni). The two critically endangered species are restricted to Atlantic forest of eastern Brazil, and were only recently rediscovered after several years without any records.

Taxonomy

The tapaculos were traditionally placed in a distinct family Rhinocryptidae; more recent research[5][6][7] indicates that according to analysis of mt and nDNA sequence data, the tapaculos might be better merged into the Formicariidae as tribe Rhinocryptini, as they are closer to the antthrushes than either is to the true antpittas.

An alternative family name Pteroptochidae, has been used historically.[8]

The phylogenetic tree shown below is based on a large-scale genetic study of the suboscines by Michael Harvey and collaborators that was published in 2020.[9] The species numbers are from the list maintained by the International Ornithologists' Union (IOC).[10]

Rhinocryptidae

Pteroptochos – huet-huets and moustached turca (3 species)

Scelorchilus – tapaculos (2 species)

Liosceles – rusty-belted tapaculo

Psilorhamphus – spotted bamboowren

Acropternis – ocellated tapaculo

Rhinocrypta – crested gallito

Teledromas – sandy gallito

Eleoscytalopus – tapaculos (2 species)

Merulaxis – bristlefronts (2 species)

Myornis – ash-colored tapaculo

Eugralla – ochre-flanked tapaculo

Scytalopus – tapaculos (49 species)

The species-limits within the genus Scytalopus have historically been difficult to determine. They are highly cryptic, and identification using visual features often is impossible. Vocal and biochemical data is typically needed to clarify the taxonomic status of the various populations. Several new species have been described in recent years (e.g. S. whitneyi and S. frankeae from Peru). The Brazilian taxa are similarly complex with several recently described species and considerable confusion surrounding the use of the scientific name Scytalopus speluncae.

Additionally, still undescribed species are known to exist, while some species as currently defined actually may include several species (e.g. the southern population of the large-footed tapaculo may represent a yet undescribed species). The confusing situation is perhaps best illustrated by the fact that only ten species were recognized in this genus in 1970, while the figure now is more than four times as high.[11][10]

Species list

For a complete list of the tapaculos recognized by the International Ornithological Congress, see the article "List of tapaculo species".

Genera allied with antthrushes

Placement unresolved

References

  1. ^ "tapaculo". The Chambers Dictionary (9th ed.). Chambers. 2003. ISBN 0-550-10105-5.
  2. ^ "tapaculo". Collins English Dictionary (13th ed.). HarperCollins. 2018. ISBN 978-0-008-28437-4.
  3. ^ "tapacolo". Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. Retrieved 2022-03-25.
  4. ^ Krabbe & Schulenberg 2003, pp. 759–761.
  5. ^ Irestedt, M.; Fjeldså, J.; Johansson, U.S.; Ericson, P.G.P. (2002). "Systematic relationships and biogeography of the tracheophone suboscines (Aves: Passeriformes)". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 23 (3): 499–512. doi:10.1016/S1055-7903(02)00034-9.
  6. ^ Rice, Nathan H. (2005). "Phylogenetic relationships of antpitta genera (Passeriformes: Formicariidae)". The Auk. 122 (2): 673–683. doi:10.1093/auk/122.2.673.
  7. ^ Rice, Nathan H. (2005). "Further evidence for paraphyly of the Formicariidae (Passeriformes)". The Condor. 107 (4): 910–915. doi:10.1093/condor/107.4.910.
  8. ^ Krabbe & Schulenberg 2003, p. 748.
  9. ^ Harvey, M.G.; et al. (2020). "The evolution of a tropical biodiversity hotspot". Science. 370 (6522): 1343–1348. doi:10.1126/science.aaz6970. A high resolution version of the phylogenetic tree in Figure 1 is available from the first author's website here.
  10. ^ a b Gill, Frank; Donsker, David; Rasmussen, Pamela, eds. (January 2023). "Antthrushes, antpittas, gnateaters, tapaculos, crescentchests". IOC World Bird List Version 13.1. International Ornithologists' Union. Retrieved 16 March 2023.
  11. ^ Krabbe & Schulenberg 2003, p. 751.
  12. ^ Placement here needs confirmation.

Cited sources

  • Krabbe, N.K.; Schulenberg, T.S. (2003). "Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)". In del Hoyo, J.; Elliott, A.; Christie, D.A. (eds.). Handbook of the Birds of the World. Vol. 8: Broadbills to Tapaculos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. pp. 748–788. ISBN 978-84-87334-50-4.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Rhinocryptidae.
Wikispecies has information related to Rhinocryptidae.
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