Crested gallito

The crested gallito ("Rhinocrypta lanceolata") is a species of bird in the family Rhinocryptidae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay.
Taxonomy and systematics.
The crested gallito is the only species in its genus. Two subspecies are recognized, the nominate "Rhinocrypta lanceolata lanceolata" and "R. l. saturata", which was described in 1939.
Description.
The crested gallito is long. The male weighs and the female . It is an unusual tapaculo, having long crown feathers that it often erects as a crest and even bends forward. It also has a long tail that it cocks upward. The nominate subspecies' head is cinnamon with white streaks, its upper parts including wings and tail olive gray. The throat and chest are pale gray, the sides of the breast chestnut, and the lower belly olive gray. "R. l. saturata" is similar but all of the colors are darker.
Distribution and habitat.
The nominate subspecies of crested gallito ranges from northern Argentina throught the central part of the country south to northern Río Negro Province and southern Buenos Aires Province. "R. l. saturata" is found in southeastern Bolivia and western Paraguay.
The crested gallito inhabits Chaco forest from sea level to , though "R. l. saturata" is found only in the lower elevations. It frequents thorny brush and undergrowth.
Behavior.
Feeding.
The crested gallito forages on the ground or through low branches for arthropods.
Breeding.
The crested gallito's nest is a ball of grass and other materials lined with hair or wool placed up in a dense bush or small tree. Up to three eggs are layed, usually between September and December. Both sexes incubate. Shiny cowbirds ("Molothrus bonariensis") are known to parisitize the nest.
Vocalization.
The crested gallito sings only during the breeding season, with "a loud, resonant, 'chirrup'...at intervals of 2-4 seconds." . The call is "a trilled 'wheer'" .
Status.
The IUCN has assessed the crested gallito as of Least Concern. It is overall uncommon but locally fairly common and occurs in several protected areas in Argentina. The population is not known but is believed to be stable.