The fawn-throated foliage-gleaner is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama.
Region
Mesoamerica
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica to western Panama. Prefers humid evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, tall secondary growth, and forest edges with dense understory. Frequently forages in vine tangles, heliconias, palms, and suspended dead leaf clusters within the lower to mid-story. Also found along riparian thickets and in swampy forest patches where leaf litter accumulates above ground.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A skulking ovenbird of humid lowland and foothill forests, the fawn-throated foliage-gleaner is named for its warm buffy throat that contrasts with darker underparts. It forages methodically in vine tangles and suspended dead leaves, prying and tearing with a sturdy bill to extract hidden insects. Often travels in pairs and readily joins mixed-species flocks moving through the understory. It nests in burrows excavated in earthen banks, lining the chamber with dry leaves.
Temperament
secretive and methodical
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief, low, undulating flights
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs that maintain territories year-round, often integrating into mixed-species flocks. Forages quietly through dense understory tangles, frequently cocking the tail. Breeding pairs excavate a burrow in an earthen bank with a leaf-lined nesting chamber, laying a small clutch that both adults tend.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a rapid, rattling series of sharp notes that accelerates slightly and may rise before trailing off. Calls include dry chips and scolding chatter given from cover.
