The cactus canastero is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is endemic to Peru.
Region
Western Peru
Typical Environment
Occurs along the arid western Andean slopes and adjacent coastal desert valleys of Peru where columnar cacti and thorn-scrub dominate. It favors rocky hillsides, quebradas, and dry river canyons with abundant cacti and low shrubs. Birds typically keep close to the ground or mid-shrub levels, moving through spiny cover. During fog-moisture seasons it may also use ephemeral lomas vegetation. It is generally a habitat specialist of xeric shrublands.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for its preference for cactus-dominated scrub, the cactus canastero often nests within thorny cacti or dense shrubs using bulky twig structures—hence the name 'canastero' (basket-maker). It is a furtive furnariid that keeps low in arid scrub, darting between spiny cover. Its cryptic browns and rufous tail blend perfectly with desert vegetation. Despite its specialized habitat, it is currently not considered globally threatened.
Temperament
wary and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct dashes between shrubs
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining territories in cactus scrub. Pairs build bulky, basket-like twig nests in thorny shrubs or within cacti, offering protection from predators. Both sexes likely participate in nest building and care. It is not known to join mixed-species flocks regularly in its arid habitat.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a rapid, dry series of chattering notes that may accelerate or rise slightly, delivered from within shrubs or low perches. Calls are harsh chips and rattles, often given when the bird moves between cacti. Vocalizations carry well in open, rocky terrain.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with fine streaking on the crown and back, paler buffy underparts with light streaking on the breast, and a distinctly rufous, somewhat graduated tail.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as beetles, ants, caterpillars, and spiders. It gleans from cactus pads, twigs, and leaf litter, and probes bark crevices and thorny branches. Occasional small seeds may be taken opportunistically, but animal prey dominates.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within dense cactus stands and thorn scrub, often near the ground or mid-shrub level. Also forages along rocky slopes, dry washes, and canyon edges where spiny vegetation provides cover. Uses its slender bill to extract prey from tight spaces.
