The greater thornbird is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Region
Gran Chaco and Paraná–Paraguay river basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in northern and central Argentina, Bolivia (lowlands), Paraguay, southern Brazil, and northern Uruguay. It favors dense riparian thickets, marsh and lagoon margins, gallery forests, and secondary scrub, especially where thorny shrubs and reeds provide cover. Often found along oxbow lakes, backwaters, and floodplains with scattered willows or other small trees. Readily uses disturbed habitats with dense undergrowth, including fencerows and overgrown ditch lines.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The greater thornbird is a large thornbird of marshes and riparian thickets that builds bulky stick nests in thorny shrubs or small trees, often near water. Pairs frequently duet, delivering loud accelerating rattles that carry over long distances. They are year-round residents and may maintain several nests within their territory, repairing or reusing them across seasons.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats over low cover
Social Behavior
Usually encountered as pairs that defend linear riparian territories. Both sexes build a large, domed stick nest with a side entrance, typically placed in thorny shrubs or small trees. Nests may be refurbished and reused; clutches are small and both adults participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, accelerating series of harsh rattles and chattering notes, commonly delivered as antiphonal duets between pair members. Calls include dry scolds and sharp chips given from within dense cover.
Plumage
Rich rufous to rufescent-brown overall with a slightly paler, buffy throat and underparts; wings and long graduated tail are deeper rufous. The face can show a faint buffy supercilium and subtle dusky lores; upperparts are fairly uniform without bold streaking.
Diet
Primarily gleaning insects and other small arthropods from branches, stems, and leaf litter within dense thickets. It also probes among reed stems and tangles for beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. Occasionally takes small snails or other invertebrates, and may opportunistically pick seeds or plant matter.
Preferred Environment
Forages low in dense, thorny vegetation near water, along marsh edges, and in overgrown riparian scrub. Frequently works within reedbeds and at the margins of gallery forest, moving methodically through cover.
