Firewood-gatherer

Overview

The firewood-gatherer (Anumbius annumbi) is an ovenbird in the subfamily Furnariinae found across parts of South America. It is a monotypic species with a wide distribution that is currently assessed as Least Concern.

Identification

• Adults feature a wide whitish supercilium, a medium brownish stripe behind the eye, and a dull rufous forehead on a light brownish to grayish brown face.
• The upper breast is slightly reddish light brown and whitish buff with blurry streaks, while the throat is white with a line of black speckles on its side.
• Measuring 18 to 20 cm in length, the bird has gray to greenish gray legs and feet, with a dull brownish maxilla and a gray mandible tipped in dark.
• The song consists of a strong, high-pitched series of staccato notes followed by a short, descending rattle, often performed as a duet by both members of a pair.

Habitat

Native to Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and northern Argentina, the species inhabits a wide variety of open landscapes including grasslands, pastures, savanna, scrublands, and the edges of open woodlands. It is found from near sea level up to 1,000 m in elevation.

Diet

The firewood-gatherer feeds on adult and larval arthropods as well as seeds. It typically forages in pairs or groups and gleans food from the ground and low vegetation.

Did you know?

Despite its small size, the bird constructs a disproportionately large nest woven from thorny twigs that can reach up to 110 cm in height and 40 cm in width. These nests often feature a winding tunnel leading to the chamber and may be placed high in exposed locations such as utility poles.