The firewood-gatherer is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Region
Southern Cone of South America
Typical Environment
Occurs across open country of northern and central Argentina, southern Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It favors grasslands, pampas and campos, shrubby savanna, pastures, and ranchlands with scattered bushes or trees. It also uses roadsides, hedgerows, and fence lines, and readily nests on utility poles or in thorny shrubs. Generally avoids dense forest and closed-canopy habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This furnariid is famous for constructing huge, domed nests out of sticks—bulky structures with side entrances that can weigh several kilograms. Pairs often build more than one nest and may be assisted by offspring from previous broods. Abandoned nests are frequently used by other birds and small animals. Its habit of carrying large twigs gives rise to the name 'firewood-gatherer.'
The nest of the firewood-gatherer
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights over open ground
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, often cooperating in nest construction. Monogamous pairs defend territories centered on their conspicuous stick nests. They may build multiple nests within a territory for breeding and roosting.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, chattering sequences of harsh notes interspersed with rattles and trills. Pairs often duet, with phrases accelerating and overlapping to advertise territory and maintain pair bonds.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with a streaked crown and back, pale buff supercilium, and lighter underparts with fine dusky streaking on the breast. Wings and tail show rufous tones; overall appearance is earthy and streaked.
Diet
Primarily takes arthropods such as beetles, ants, termites, grasshoppers, and spiders. Forages by gleaning from low shrubs and tussocks and by probing among sticks and leaf litter. Occasionally picks insects flushed by grazing livestock and may take small seeds incidentally.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open grasslands, pastures, edges of scrub, and along fence lines and roadsides where low vegetation and perches are available. Often forages near nest sites and human-altered landscapes.
