The Araguaia spinetail is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Central Brazil (Araguaia River basin)
Typical Environment
Occurs along islands, backwaters, and levees of the middle Araguaia River, where seasonal flooding creates a mosaic of reedbeds, grasses, and shrubby thickets. It occupies dense riparian growth, including tall grasses and emergent aquatic vegetation, often near slow-moving channels or oxbow lakes. The species keeps close to cover, using tangled stems and roots along the water’s edge. It is closely tied to natural flood regimes and early-successional vegetation patches.
Altitude Range
100–300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Araguaia spinetail is a recently described furnariid restricted to the floodplains of Brazil’s Araguaia River. It favors dense, seasonally flooded riverside vegetation and can be hard to spot as it skulks low in reeds and shrubs. Its distinctive vocalizations are often the best clue to its presence, and it is considered a local specialist of dynamic riparian habitats.
Temperament
skulking and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over vegetation
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs, often maintaining territories year-round along stretches of riverside vegetation. Builds a bulky, domed nest of stems and fibers placed low in dense reeds or shrubs near water. Both members of a pair likely participate in territory defense and nesting duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A sharp series of chips and trills that accelerates and rises slightly, often delivered as an antiphonal duet by pairs. Calls are penetrating and carry well over the sound of flowing water and wind in reeds.
Plumage
Overall warm rufous-brown upperparts with paler, buffy underparts and a long, graduated rufous tail; subtle pale supercilium and slightly grayer tones on the face and throat.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods gleaned from stems, leaves, and litter within dense riparian vegetation. Probes and picks among reed bases, vine tangles, and exposed roots at the water’s edge. Occasionally sallies short distances to snatch prey disturbed by movement in the vegetation.
Preferred Environment
Forages in thick reedbeds, tall grasses, and shrubby thickets along channels, lagoons, and river islands. Often stays within a meter or two of the ground or waterline, using cover to move quietly through dense stems.
