The Amazonian plain xenops is a passerine bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in every mainland South American country except Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Region
Amazon Basin and Guianas
Typical Environment
Occurs widely through lowland tropical forest across much of Amazonia, the Guianas, and adjacent regions, absent from the southern cone. It inhabits terra firme and várzea forests, as well as mature secondary growth and forest edges. Most activity is in the midstory to subcanopy, where it forages along branches, vine tangles, and dead leaf clusters. It often associates with mixed-species flocks and tolerates lightly disturbed habitats provided sufficient tree cover remains.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny ovenbird relative, the Amazonian plain xenops behaves much like a nuthatch, hitching along trunks and branches while prying at bark with its stubby, slightly upturned bill. It commonly joins mixed-species flocks in the forest midstory. Pairs nest in cavities they excavate in soft, rotten wood or termitaria. Its bright rufous tail and wings contrast with otherwise plain brown tones, aiding quick field identification.
Temperament
active and inquisitive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or accompanying mixed-species flocks. Pairs are likely monogamous and defend small territories year-round. They excavate nesting chambers in soft, rotten wood or termitaria and line the cavity sparsely; clutches are typically small.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, thin series of sibilant notes that may accelerate slightly, often delivered from midstory perches. Calls include sharp, dry chips and thin tseet notes used to keep contact within flocks.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with contrasting rufous wings and tail; underparts buffy to pale brown with minimal or very faint streaking. Shows a pale buff supercilium and darker crown. Wings often show darker barring, and the tail is uniformly rufous. Compact, wedge-headed look with a short, slightly upturned bill.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods such as beetles, ants, termites, caterpillars, and spiders. It gleans and probes along bark, pries at crevices, and inspects dead leaf clusters and suspended debris. The slightly upturned bill is used to flake bark and lever out hidden prey. It occasionally hammers lightly at soft wood but is more of a prier and gleaner than a driller.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the forest midstory to subcanopy on trunks, limbs, and vines, including along edges and in older secondary woodland. Frequently joins mixed-species flocks, moving methodically through foraging strata. Uses areas with abundant dead leaves and flaky bark.
