Pinto's Spinetail

Overview

Pinto's spinetail (Synallaxis infuscata) is an Endangered species of bird in the ovenbird family Furnariidae, endemic to north-eastern Brazil. Known locally as the "tatac", it was formerly considered a subspecies of the rufous-capped spinetail but is now recognised as a full species.

Identification

• Length of 16 to 18 cm with a weight of 16 to 20 g, featuring a dark grayish face and a bright reddish chestnut crown and nape.
• Wings are mostly rufous and the tail is dark rufous-chestnut, graduated with pointed feather tips.
• Underparts are dark slaty grey, with a black chin spot and diffuse whitish and grey streaks on the throat, while the bill is dark grey and legs are greyish or greenish grey.
• Song consists of a "reet, reet" typically sung twice, accompanied by a "spitting trill" call and a unique chatter.

Habitat

Found patchily in the eastern parts of Paraíba, Alagoas, and Pernambuco states in far eastern Brazil, inhabiting tropical lowland evergreen forest in dense undergrowth. It occurs in both primary and secondary forests, ranging in elevation from near sea level to almost 1,100 m.

Diet

Feeds on arthropods, typically foraging singly or in pairs to glean prey from live and dead leaves and small branches. Foraging usually takes place 1 to 2 m above the ground.

Did you know?

The bird's nest is a globe of sticks, dry leaves, and bark bits with a tunnel entrance at the side, usually hidden by vines between 1 and 5 m above the ground.