Continuing the "extreme endemics" series. Apologize for the image quality but this is still one of the few images of this species on the web. This Critically Endangered species was only known from a few specimens until recently. Ridley and Tudor's updated 2009 guide describes it as "essentially unknown in life". Perlo's field guide described it as "possibly extinct". Thankfully it has now been found at a few sites, including Fazenda Agua Boa where it was found by Ciro Albano. Scytalopus tapaculos have evolved not be seen. Photographing one anywere is cause for celebration. And one this rare ,,, (my hands were trembling as I took this, not recommended when one is already at ISO 4000 and no flash). But I think this species (now put in the genus Eleoscytalopus) may be easier to photograph than others given that its preferred habitat - forest floor near wet areas - it more open than that of other Scytalopus tapaculos. Fazenda Agua Boa, Bahia, Brazil, Dec 2011.