The austral canastero is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Argentina and Chile.
Region
Patagonia and southern Andes of Argentina and Chile
Typical Environment
Found across open shrublands, Patagonian steppe, and edges of southern beech (Nothofagus) forests in southern Argentina and Chile. It favors windswept slopes with low, thorny bushes, grass tussocks, and scattered shrubs. Often near watercourses or moist depressions where insect prey is abundant. Uses both natural scrub and lightly grazed rangelands. In winter it may descend locally to lower, more sheltered areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The austral canastero is a small ovenbird of Patagonian scrub and steppe, often seen flicking its long, rufous tail as it forages close to the ground. Its common name refers to its intricate twig nests, which resemble small baskets. Pairs maintain territories year-round and often stay low in vegetation, making the species more often heard than seen.
Temperament
shy and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs that hold small territories. Nests are bulky, basket-like structures of twigs with a side entrance, usually placed low in dense shrubs. Both sexes participate in nest building and parental care, and pairs remain together through the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a dry, accelerating trill or rattle that rises and then tapers off, delivered from a shrub top or within cover. Calls include sharp ticks and thin tseet notes used for contact between pair members.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with a pale buff supercilium, whitish throat, and lightly streaked or mottled breast; wings and long, graduated tail show rich rufous tones with darker centers.
Diet
Primarily consumes arthropods such as beetles, ants, spiders, and larvae gleaned from low shrubs and ground litter. Will probe among grass tussocks and leaf litter and occasionally takes small seeds or other plant matter. Foraging is methodical and close to cover, with frequent tail flicks and short dashes between shrubs.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open scrub, steppe, and edges of thickets where low vegetation provides both prey and concealment. Often forages along ecotones near watercourses or damp patches that concentrate insects.
