The grey-bellied spinetail 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 South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern Brazil through eastern Paraguay and northeastern Argentina to Uruguay, favoring the Atlantic Forest fringe, riparian woodlands, and scrubby edges. It is most often found in dense understory, capoeira (second growth), bamboo patches, and riverine thickets. The species tolerates disturbed habitats and frequently uses hedgerows and brushy pastures near forest remnants. Within its range it is generally local to fairly common where suitable cover is present.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A furtive understory furnariid, the grey-bellied spinetail keeps its long, rufous tail cocked as it creeps through dense thickets. Like many spinetails, it builds a bulky, ball-shaped stick nest with a side entrance tunnel. Pairs often duet with fast, rattling notes and may join mixed-species flocks along forest edges. It thrives in secondary growth and riparian scrub, which has helped keep its populations stable in much of its range.
Illustration from Nouveau recueil de planches coloriées d'oiseaux, 1838
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs that maintain territories year-round. Pairs cooperate in building a bulky, enclosed stick nest with a lateral entrance tunnel placed low in dense shrubs or vines. It forages close to the ground up to the midstory and may accompany mixed-species flocks along edges.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a fast series of dry, rattling notes that accelerates slightly, often delivered as a duet by the pair. Calls include sharp chips and trills given from inside cover. Vocalizations carry surprisingly well despite the bird’s secretive habits.
