White-browed Tapaculo vs Puna Tapaculo

In short

The White-browed Tapaculo is distinguished by its long white supercilium and gleaming white throat, whereas the Puna Tapaculo has a less distinct gray supercilium and primarily gray plumage. Both species inhabit different regions, with the White-browed Tapaculo found in northwest Argentina and the Puna Tapaculo in the Andes from northern Peru to Bolivia.

Identification tips

• Look for the long white supercilium and white throat on the White-browed Tapaculo.
• Note the gray supercilium and gray plumage of the Puna Tapaculo.
• Consider the geographic location: White-browed is in northwest Argentina, Puna is in the Andes from Peru to Bolivia.
• Listen for vocalizations, though specifics are not well-documented.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of small tapaculos.

Plumage

White-browed Tapaculo has a long white supercilium, white throat, and brown upperparts with buff and dark barring on the underparts. Puna Tapaculo has a primarily gray plumage with light brown flanks and rump, and a less distinct gray supercilium.

Behaviour

Both species forage for invertebrates on or near the ground, but specific behaviors may vary slightly due to habitat differences.

Habitat

White-browed Tapaculo inhabits woodland and rocky ravines in northwest Argentina. Puna Tapaculo is found in humid montane and elfin forests, and among boulders and bunch grass at treeline from northern Peru to Bolivia.

Voice

The Puna Tapaculo's song is a long series of short notes, similar to other tapaculos. Specific vocal differences with the White-browed Tapaculo are not detailed.