Great spinetail

The great spinetail is a Near Threatened species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is endemic to Peru.

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Distribution

Region

Central Peruvian coast and Andean foothills

Typical Environment

Occurs on the Pacific slope of central Peru in arid and semi-arid habitats with dense thorny shrubs, cacti, and patches of Prosopis (algarrobo) woodland. It keeps close to cover in ravines, scrubby hillsides, and riparian thickets, moving methodically through branches and tangles. The species tolerates fragmented habitat but declines where scrub is cleared for agriculture or fuelwood. It is typically found in small territories occupied by pairs.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 2000 m

Climate Zone

Arid

Characteristics

Size18–21 cm

Wing Span24–28 cm

Male Weight0.035 kg

Female Weight0.032 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The Great Spinetail is a skulking ovenbird endemic to Peru, where it favors arid scrub and thorny thickets on the Pacific slope. Its long, ragged tail with stiff, spiny-tipped feathers gives the group its name and helps with balance as it creeps through dense vegetation. It is threatened by the loss and degradation of dry scrub and Prosopis woodlands. Pairs are often heard before they are seen, delivering fast trills from inside cover.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

secretive and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats, reluctant flier

Social Behavior

Usually found in pairs that maintain small territories year-round. Nests are bulky stick structures with a side entrance placed in dense shrubs or cacti. It forages close together, moving through tangles and keeping to mid- to lower levels of scrub.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Song is a fast, dry trill that accelerates and sometimes ends in a rattle. Calls include sharp chips and rattling notes given from within cover.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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