Andean Tit-Spinetail

Overview

The Andean tit-spinetail (Leptasthenura andicola) is a small, long-tailed bird belonging to the ovenbird family. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN and is found across several Andean countries in South America.

Identification

• Leptasthenura andicola measures 15 to 17 cm in length and is characterized by a short bill and dark gray to black legs.
• Adults possess a rich rufous chestnut crown with black streaks, contrasting with a wide white supercilium on a dark streaky gray-brown face.
• Upperparts are dark gray-brown with prominent white streaks, while the breast and belly are gray-brown with heavy white streaking that becomes more diffuse on the flanks.
• The song is described as a descending series of notes starting and ending with a trill, often accompanied by weak, tinkling calls and high, mammal-like squeals.

Habitat

This species has a disjunct distribution ranging from Venezuela to Bolivia, inhabiting semi-arid to arid montane scrublands. It also occurs in Polylepis woodlands throughout its range, and in the north, it is found in humid grasslands and páramo. Elevations typically range between 3,000 and 4,450 m depending on the location.

Diet

The Andean tit-spinetail feeds primarily on arthropods, though its specific diet is not known in detail. It is an active forager that gleans from foliage, flowers, and twigs while hopping along branches, often hanging upside down to capture prey. Foraging is typically done in pairs or small groups, with occasional participation in mixed-species feeding flocks.

Did you know?

The bird constructs its cup nest from grass and moss, lining it with animal fur, seed fluff, and feathers. It places the nest on the ground, in cavities, under eaves, or even at the end of burrows excavated by mammals or other birds.