The brown-rumped foliage-gleaner is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Western Amazonia
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland tropical rainforests of Bolivia, Brazil (western Amazon), Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It favors dense, bamboo-dominated (Guadua) thickets, vine tangles, and young secondary forest within terra firme and occasionally floodplain edges. Typically keeps to the shaded understory and lower midstory, moving methodically through dead leaves and tangles. It tolerates some disturbance if dense bamboo or similar understory structure is present. Most common away from major clearings and continuous human activity.
Altitude Range
100–1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A bamboo-associated specialist of the western Amazon, the brown-rumped foliage-gleaner spends much of its time sneaking through dense understory. It often joins mixed-species flocks, where its rich rufous rump and tail help with identification. The species is more often detected by voice than sight, giving accelerating, rattly phrases from thickets.
Temperament
skulking and methodical
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense understory
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, frequently accompanying mixed-species understory flocks. Forages by probing and tearing at dead leaves, bamboo sheaths, and tangles. Nesting is thought to occur in cavities or earthen banks lined with plant fibers, with both sexes likely contributing to nest duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives an accelerating series of rough, rattling notes that rise and then trail off. Calls include dry trrr and harsh chips, often delivered from within dense cover.
Plumage
Warm brown to olive-brown upperparts with a distinctly richer rufous-brown rump and tail; underparts dull buff to brownish with minimal streaking. Wings show rufescent tones, and the face has dusky auriculars with a faint pale supercilium.
Diet
Primarily consumes arthropods such as beetles, spiders, orthopterans, and larvae gleaned from dead leaves and bamboo sheaths. Methodically inspects rolled leaves, vine tangles, and suspended debris. Occasionally sallies short distances to snatch prey and may sporadically attend small ant activity, though it is not an obligate ant-follower.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the shaded understory of terra firme forest, especially in extensive Guadua bamboo stands. Also uses regenerating secondary growth and forest edges where dense thickets persist.
