Black-throated Spinetail

Overview

The black-throated spinetail (Synallaxis castanea) is a bird species endemic to Venezuela, belonging to the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is classified as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, with a stable population and no immediate threats identified.

Identification

• Adult plumage is mostly bright rufescent with a paler chin and a solid black throat; the sex differences are absent.
• Size ranges from 16 to 18 cm, making it one of the larger members of the genus Synallaxis.
• Bill is blackish, legs and feet are blue-gray, and irises are dark reddish brown.
• Song consists of a rapid 'ke-che-che-che-che-che' followed by louder 'ker-chéé-chéé', often sung in duet, with a call of 'ki-kík'.

Habitat

This species inhabits the Venezuelan Coastal Range, specifically from Aragua east to the vicinity of Caracas in Miranda. It resides in montane evergreen forest, secondary forest, and the undergrowth and edges of cloud forest between 1,300 and 2,200 m in elevation. It is frequently observed along brushy roadsides and occasionally in stands of Chusquea bamboo.

Diet

The diet is assumed to be mostly arthropods, though specific details are not known. The bird typically forages in pairs, gleaning prey from foliage and small branches up to approximately 2 m above the ground.

Did you know?

Breeding occurs between April and July, but no other aspects of its breeding biology are currently known. It is a year-round resident within its small geographic range in Venezuela.