Crested gallito

Rhinocrypta lanceolata

Photo by Aline Wolfer (Oiseaux d'Argentine)

Common name:

crested gallito (en); tapáculo-de-crista (pt); tourco huppé (fr); gallito copetón (es); schopfbürzelstelzer (de)

Taxonomy:

Order Passeriformes

Family Rhinocryptidae

Range:

This species is found in south-eastern Bolivia, western Paraguay and in Argentina down to Rio Negro.

Size:

The crested gallito is 21 cm long and weighs 52-64 g.

Habitat:

These birds are found in moist savannas and lowland dry scrublands and thorny woodlands. They are present from sea level up to an altitude of 1.800 m.

Diet:

Crested gallitos feed only on the ground, mainly eating insects and spiders. They may also eat berries when in season.

Breeding:

These birds are monogamous and may form permanent pair bonds. They build a globular nest in a bush, near the groud, using root fibers, grass, moss, and a few small twigs. There the female lays 2 white eggs which are incubated by both parents for 16-17 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge 14-15 days after hatching.

Conservation:

IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)

This species has a large breeding range, but is described as uncommon. Thes population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.