The black-tailed leaftosser is a species of bird in the subfamily Sclerurinae, the leaftossers and miners, of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Region
Amazon Basin and Guiana Shield
Typical Environment
Occupies humid lowland evergreen forests across northern South America, including primary terra firme and mature secondary forests. Most frequently encountered on shaded forest floors with deep leaf litter, along ravines, and near stream banks. It generally avoids open edges and heavily disturbed areas. Occurs patchily but can be locally fairly common where intact understory and leaf-litter layers persist.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A secretive ground-dwelling ovenbird, the black-tailed leaftosser specializes in flipping and probing through leaf litter to uncover hidden invertebrates. It often nests in burrows excavated into earthen banks, a hallmark of the leaftosser group. Its dark, contrasting black tail helps separate it from other similar rufous-brown leaftossers.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the ground
Social Behavior
Typically forages alone or in pairs, keeping close to dense understory and forest-floor cover. Territorial pairs maintain year-round territories. Nests are usually tunnel-like burrows excavated into earthen banks, where a small clutch is laid and both sexes participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers a clear, whistled series that often descends or trails off, carrying softly through dense forest. Calls include thin contact notes and soft chips given while foraging.
Plumage
Overall dark rufous-brown with a slightly paler brown underbody and dusky face; wings often show warm rufous tones. Tail is distinctly blackish, contrasting with the body. Feathers are plain rather than patterned, giving a uniform, earthy appearance.
Diet
Feeds primarily on arthropods such as insects, larvae, spiders, and other small invertebrates hidden within leaf litter. It uses its bill to flip leaves energetically and probe into the soil and rotting debris. Occasionally takes small prey from shallow burrows and root tangles.
Preferred Environment
Forages on shaded forest floors with ample leaf litter, along stream edges, and around fallen logs and buttress roots. Prefers intact understory structure that provides cover and abundant detritus.
