Many-striped Canastero

Overview

The many-striped canastero (Asthenes flammulata) is a species of passerine bird in the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, where it inhabits high-altitude Andean environments. The species is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Length of 16 to 17 cm with a weight of 17 to 27 g, featuring a large, robust body.
• Upperparts are dark brown with conspicuous pale buff streaks, while the tail feathers are narrow with dark brown inner and rufous outer webs, creating a spiny appearance.
• The underparts show a buff to orange-rufous chin and throat that fade to a whitish breast with bold dark brown streaks, and rufescent lower flanks.
• Song consists of an accelerating series of buzzy notes rising in pitch that transition into a stuttering descending trill, described as 'tzee-tzee-tzee-tzeetzeetzetztztztzrrrrrrr'.

Habitat

The species occupies a disjunct range across the Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru. It inhabits the ecotone between timberline and páramo grasslands, characterised by rock outcrops, scattered shrubs, Espeletia, and Polylepis trees. Elevations typically range between 3,000 and 4,500 m, though it occurs as low as 2,700 m in Colombia.

Diet

This bird feeds on arthropods, foraging singly or in pairs. It typically gleans prey from the ground, as well as from shrubs and Polylepis branches.

Did you know?

Despite being a year-round resident, the bird is often sneaky and remains hidden while hopping and running among grass tussocks. It is considered highly susceptible to overgrazing but benefits from the occasional burning of páramo vegetation.