The Caribbean hornero is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Colombia and Venezuela.
Region
Caribbean coast of northern South America (Colombia and Venezuela)
Typical Environment
It inhabits coastal lowlands, open dry forests, thorn scrub, and savanna-like ranchlands, especially near watercourses. The species is common along edges, second-growth, and semi-open countryside with scattered trees. It tolerates human-modified landscapes and often occurs near farms and villages. Nests are placed on branches, cacti, fence posts, or utility structures.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Caribbean hornero is an ovenbird known for building distinctive dome-shaped mud nests with a side entrance, which harden like clay ovens. Pairs are strongly territorial and often duet, flicking their wings as they sing. They readily use fence posts, trees, and even human structures as nest platforms.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights
Social Behavior
Usually seen in territorial pairs throughout the year. Both sexes cooperate to build the characteristic mud oven nest and to defend the territory. Clutches typically contain 2–4 eggs, and pairs may reuse nest platforms or build new ovens nearby.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, rattling duet of accelerating notes, often delivered by both pair members with wing-flicking. Calls include sharp tchik notes and chattering series that carry well in open habitats.
Plumage
Overall warm rufous-brown with paler, buffy underparts and a whitish throat; tail a richer rufous. Shows a pale buff supercilium and slightly paler belly, with plain upperparts lacking heavy streaking.
Diet
Feeds mainly on ground-dwelling arthropods such as beetles, ants, termites, spiders, and other small invertebrates. It gleans and probes in leaf litter, soil, and along muddy edges. It may forage around livestock, taking insects flushed from grass or dung.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the ground in open or semi-open areas, along roadsides, field margins, and riparian corridors. Also uses dry scrub and pasturelands with scattered trees or posts for perching.
