Red-and-white Spinetail

Overview

The red-and-white spinetail (Certhiaxis mustelinus) is a species of bird in the ovenbird family Furnariidae, classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. It is a monotypic species found in the central Amazon Basin of South America.

Identification

• 14 to 15 cm in length with reddish brown upperparts, white underparts, and a white chin and throat.
• Wings are bright rufous with dark tips, and the tail has a spiny appearance due to few barbs on the feather ends.
• Song is a loud, dry, irregularly undulating rattle described as 'tch-t-t-t-t-t-t-t-t-t-t-t-t-t'.
• Call sounds like 'chuk-cheh' or 'chuck-chuck-chuck'.

Habitat

Found along river corridors in the central Amazon Basin, primarily in Brazil but also in parts of Colombia and Peru. It inhabits freshwater marshes, particularly around old river islands with mixed bushes, grasses, and emergent vegetation, at elevations from near sea level to 150 m.

Diet

Feeds on arthropods, foraging singly or in pairs by gleaning prey from foliage and small branches close to the ground.

Did you know?

The nest is constructed from a ball of thorny sticks built in low vegetation over water.