The Apurimac spinetail is a Vulnerable species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is endemic to Peru.
Region
Andes of south-central Peru
Typical Environment
The Apurímac spinetail occupies arid to semi-humid intermontane slopes and valley sides with dense shrubbery, thorny scrub, and forest edge. It favors steep ravines, second-growth thickets, and areas with tangled vegetation, often near rocky outcrops. It will use regenerating scrub and hedgerows adjacent to small farms but avoids the interior of tall, closed-canopy forest. Habitat is patchy and often fragmented along the valley.
Altitude Range
2200–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This shy spinetail is confined to the Apurímac River valley of south-central Peru and is sensitive to habitat loss. Like many Synallaxis, it builds a bulky stick nest with a long entrance tunnel, often placed low in dense scrub. Its narrow range and fragmented habitat have led to conservation concern.
Temperament
skulking and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs that maintain small territories year-round. Both sexes participate in building a bulky stick nest with a tubular entrance, typically placed low in dense scrub. Breeding behavior is poorly documented but is presumed to involve small clutches and biparental care typical of the genus.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A fast, dry series of chattering notes that accelerates slightly and then tapers, often delivered from concealed perches. Pairs may duet with antiphonal phrases, and contact calls are sharp chips given while moving through cover.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with a distinctly rufous tail and wing panels; underparts buffy to grayish with a paler throat. Feathers appear slightly shaggy on the tail, giving a spiny look typical of spinetails.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as beetles, ants, caterpillars, and spiders gleaned from leaves, twigs, and vine tangles. It probes into leaf clusters and dead vegetation, occasionally sallying short distances to snatch prey. It may take small seeds or berries opportunistically but is mainly insectivorous.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense shrub layers, tangled second growth, and edges of montane woodland where cover is thick. Often works along steep slopes and ravines, keeping close to the ground or mid-levels within shrubs.
