AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Scytalopus argentifrons
Silvery-fronted Tapaculo
Ridgway, 1891
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A very small, mouse-like bird with dark slate-grey plumage and a distinctive silvery-white patch on the forehead. It has a short tail and long, strong legs.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Passeriformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Rhinocryptidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Scytalopus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Ridgway, 1891
Record Completeness
95%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Spring
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Insectivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits the dense undergrowth and mossy areas of high-altitude cloud forests in Costa Rica and western Panama.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Very secretive, staying low in the vegetation. Often runs rather than flies.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Typically solitary or in pairs.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Insectivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Diet consists of small insects, spiders, and other invertebrates found in the leaf litter.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Nests in holes or deep cavities near the ground, lined with rootlets and moss.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
10.0 - 11.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
15 g - 20 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 2
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
10 - 12 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
17 - 19
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males4 - 7 Years
Females4 - 7 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Adapted for life in dense, dark undergrowth; powerful legs allow it to run quickly through low vegetation.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Threatened by climate change affecting cloud forest ecosystems and habitat loss.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
They spend most of their time on the ground and are much easier to hear than to see, as they rarely emerge from the dense foliage.