The brown cacholote is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Region
South-central South America
Typical Environment
Occurs across the Gran Chaco and adjacent shrublands and dry forests of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil (southern), Paraguay, and Uruguay. It favors thorny scrub, open woodland edges, gallery forest margins, and savanna with scattered trees. The species is common in second-growth, pastures with scattered shrubs, and around rural buildings. It tolerates human presence and often nests in taller shrubs or small trees near clearings.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Brown cacholotes are ovenbirds famed for building huge, domed stick nests with side entrances, often reused or taken over by other species. They live in territorial pairs that perform loud, synchronized duets. Highly adaptable, they thrive in dry scrub and open woodlands and readily use human-modified landscapes such as ranchlands.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights between shrubs and trees
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups that defend territories year-round. Both sexes cooperatively build and maintain large stick nests and may refurbish them for multiple seasons. Nests are bulky domes with a side entrance tunnel, placed in shrubs, small trees, or occasionally human structures.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, harsh duets of chattering and rattling notes delivered in synchrony by the pair. Also gives sharp scolds and mechanical-sounding series when alarmed.
