The cinnamon-rumped foliage-gleaner is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in every mainland South American country except Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Region
Tropical South America (Amazon Basin and Andean foothills)
Typical Environment
Found in humid evergreen and seasonally flooded (várzea) forests, forest edges, and mature secondary growth. Most activity is in the understory to midstory, where it searches among dead leaf clusters, moss, and epiphytes. It ranges broadly across mainland South America except the southern cone countries of Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Often associates with mixed-species flocks in intact forest but can persist in lightly disturbed habitats if structure remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The cinnamon-rumped foliage-gleaner is a skulking ovenbird that spends most of its time probing clusters of dead leaves in the midstory of humid forests. Its warm cinnamon rump and rufescent tail often flash as it hops between vine tangles and epiphyte-laden branches. It frequently joins mixed-species feeding flocks, where its busy gleaning helps uncover hidden arthropods. The species occurs widely across northern and western Amazonia and adjacent foothills.
Temperament
secretive and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs and commonly joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Pairs defend small territories and maintain contact with soft calls while foraging. Nests are placed in cavities or earthen banks, with both adults participating in care of young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a short, dry, accelerating rattle or series of sharp notes that may rise then fall. Calls include hard chack and tik notes delivered while moving through dense foliage.
Plumage
Warm brown to rufescent overall with a distinctly cinnamon rump; wings and tail rufescent, underparts duller brown. Subtle buffy supercilium and slightly paler throat; feathering often appears slightly shaggy on the face and crown.
Diet
Feeds primarily on arthropods, including beetles, spiders, caterpillars, and other insect larvae. It specializes in gleaning and probing dead leaf clusters, curled leaves, and bark crevices. Occasionally it joins ant swarms opportunistically but is not an obligate ant-follower.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the understory to midstory of humid terra firme and seasonally flooded forests, as well as mature secondary forest with abundant vine tangles and epiphytes. Frequently works along branches, lianas, and suspended dead leaves.
