Band-tailed Hornero

Overview

The band-tailed hornero (Furnarius figulus), also known as the wing-banded hornero, is a species of bird in the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is endemic to Brazil and is currently classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• Size: Approximately 15 to 16 cm long and weighing around 28 g, with a long and nearly straight brownish bill.
• Plumage: Sexes are alike; nominate subspecies feature a wide white supercilium, dingy rufous lores, a dark eye stripe, chestnut-rufous crown and upperparts, and fuscous primaries with two dark rufous bands.
• Song: A series of 3-20 high, very loud staccato notes described as 'djip-djip--' that decelerate and descend in pitch; pairs often sing in duet.
• Calls: Includes a harsh 'djeep-djeep--', along with 'chibit, chep' and 'kwee-eh'.

Habitat

Endemic to Brazil, the species inhabits a variety of semi-open to open landscapes such as woodlands, scrublands in deforested areas, pastures, marsh edges, and urban or suburban gardens. It is usually found near water, especially rivers, and occurs in two widely separated ranges: along the Amazon and major tributaries for F. f. pileatus, and eastern Brazil south to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo for F. f. figulus. Elevation is typically below 600 m, though it reaches up to 1,250 m in some areas.

Diet

The band-tailed hornero feeds on invertebrates, including various insects, other arthropods, and snails. It forages singly or in pairs while walking on the ground, turning over leaves and twigs to glean its prey.

Did you know?

Unlike other horneros that build distinctive 'oven' nests, the band-tailed hornero constructs an open cup of grass and plant fibers lined with feathers and hair, often placed at the base of palm leaves or in a bromeliad.