Lark-like Brushrunner

Overview

The lark-like brushrunner (Coryphistera alaudina) is a species of bird in the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is the only member of its genus and is found across several South American countries, including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The species is currently assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Size of 15 to 17 cm with a weight range of 27 to 42 g, featuring an erect crest that gives it a lark-like appearance.
• Plumage includes a very dark brown crown and crest, pale dull brown back with darker streaks, and a whitish breast marked with wide, blurry rufous streaks.
• Underparts are whitish with rufous streaking on the throat and breast, while the belly centre remains mostly unstreaked.
• Song is described as a high-pitched, tremulous, tinkling trill, with calls consisting of low buzzy trills and squeaky notes.

Habitat

This species inhabits open to semi-open landscapes such as arid lowland scrublands, Gran Chaco woodlands, savanna, and pastures with trees. It occurs from near sea level up to 500 m in elevation. The nominate subspecies is widespread across southern Bolivia, northern and eastern Argentina, northwestern Uruguay, and southernmost Brazil, while the other subspecies is found in southeastern Bolivia and western Paraguay.

Diet

The lark-like brushrunner feeds primarily on arthropods and also consumes snails. It is mostly terrestrial, foraging by walking along the ground to glean prey and scratching to expose it. It is known to toss or turn over mammal dung to find food and often joins mixed-species feeding flocks, particularly outside the breeding season.

Did you know?

The nest of the lark-like brushrunner is similar to that of the monk parakeet, and the two species have been recorded building the same nest to use together. This represents the first time two different species have been observed building a nest jointly.