White-throated Cacholote

Overview

The white-throated cacholote (Pseudoseisura gutturalis) is a large furnariid bird endemic to Argentina, classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It is one of the largest members of the ovenbird family, Furnariidae.

Identification

• Length 22 to 23 cm with a small crest and sexes having identical plumage.
• Dark brownish gray upperparts contrast with a white throat bordered by black at the bottom.
• Underparts appear "frosty" due to grayish white feather tips on a pale brownish gray background.
• Bill is pale bluish with a dark gray tip, and legs are gray.

Habitat

Found in generally barren landscapes such as arid scrublands in lowlands and montane valleys, as well as Prosopis-dominated woodlands in the north. The species ranges from sea level to 2,900 m across northwestern and central Argentina.

Diet

Feeds primarily on arthropods by gleaning, probing, and digging in the soil, occasionally entering cactus stems. Foraging is usually conducted in pairs or small groups that may be family units.

Did you know?

In 2022, a non-parental adult was documented killing two nestlings, marking the first recorded instance of non-parental infanticide in the ovenbird family.