Bahia Spinetail

Overview

The Bahia spinetail (Synallaxis cinerea) is a Near Threatened bird in the ovenbird family Furnariidae, endemic to a very small region of eastern Brazil. Long treated as a conspecific population of the rufous-capped spinetail, it is now recognized as a distinct species with no subspecies.

Identification

• 15 to 17 cm long with a bright orange-rufous crown and nape, contrasting with rufescent brown upperparts and dark grayish underparts.
• Features a wide cinnamon-buff supercilium and brownish-gray lores and ear coverts, with a graduated chestnut tail with pointed tips.
• Dark gray bill, sometimes with a paler base, and olivaceous to dark gray legs.
• Song is described as a double-noted 'di-réét, di-réét' sung by both members of a pair, with a high, dry 'rutrut-' call.

Habitat

Inhabits the undergrowth of montane evergreen forest in eastern Brazil, specifically spanning southern Bahia and northeastern Minas Gerais. Prefers forest edges dense with vines, ferns, and bamboo at elevations between 500 and 1,000 m. The habitat is heavily fragmented and faces pressure from forest clearing for agriculture, ranching, and logging.

Diet

Feeds primarily on arthropods, usually foraging in pairs by gleaning and probing dead leaves and small branches. Typically feeds between 1 and 2 m above the ground but may forage on the ground or as high as 5 m.

Did you know?

Despite having a very small range and a declining population estimated at 4,400 to 13,200 individuals, outlying populations continue to be discovered, suggesting actual numbers may be higher than previously thought. Even the nominally protected Chapada da Diamantina National Park has suffered from illegal logging.