Chotoy Spinetail

Overview

The chotoy spinetail (Schoeniophylax phryganophilus) is a species of bird in the ovenbird family Furnariidae, classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. It is a large spinetail characterised by a unique throat pattern and is found across parts of South America. The species is a year-round resident throughout its range and is considered fairly common and adaptable.

Identification

• Measures 20 to 22 cm in length and weighs 15 to 22.5 g, described as a large spinetail.
• Features a striking throat pattern with bright yellow chin and upper throat, and a crisp black square surrounded by white on the lower throat.
• Plumage includes a chestnut crown, sandy brown back with dark streaks, light brown tail with blackish shafts, and legs that are light grey to brownish.
• Song is a distinctive series of low-pitched 'cho' notes, often transcribed as 'rrrrtooo chicheetitichichicheecheychachochoochew', while its call is a hurried 'sreepsreeptrrit'.

Habitat

The species inhabits a variety of open to semi-open landscapes, including treed savanna, gallery forest, thickets and scrub along watercourses, and the edges of marshes. It ranges in elevation from near sea level to 500 m and is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The nominate subspecies is widespread in these countries, while the S. p. petersi subspecies is disjunct in northeastern Brazil.

Diet

The chotoy spinetail feeds on arthropods, typically foraging singly or in pairs. It gleans prey from small branches and foliage located within about 1 m of the ground.

Did you know?

The bird constructs a large nest made of thorny sticks with a side entrance tube lined with softer plant material. It is thought to be monogamous, with an incubation period of 15 to 16 days and fledging occurring 13 to 14 days after hatching.