Spotted Bamboowren

The spotted bamboowren (Psilorhamphus guttatus) is a species of suboscine passerine bird in the tapaculo family Rhinocryptidae. It is the only species placed in the genus Psilorhamphus. It is found in southeastern Brazil, far northeastern Argentina, and possibly Paraguay. == Taxonomy == The spotted bamboowren is the only member of its genus and has no subspecies. It has at various times been placed in families Formicariidae (the antthrushes), Sylviidae ("typical" warblers), Thamnophilidae (antbirds), Troglodytidae (wrens), and Polioptilidae (gnatcatchers). Studies of its morphology and later of its genetics have firmly placed it in the tapaculo family. The spotted bamboowren is genetically most closely related to the rusty-belted tapaculo (Liosceles thoracicus). == Description == The spotted bamboowren measures 13.5 cm (5.3 in) in length. Males weigh between 10.5 and 13 g (0.37 and 0.46 oz), while a female specimen weighed 11.5 g (0.41 oz). Adult males have gray heads and upper backs, with brownish lower backs. The throat and upper breast are whitish to buff, transitioning to buff on the lower breast and belly. The back, wings, and belly are speckled with small white, brown, or black spots. Adult females are similar in appearance, but with brown tops of the head and…