The grey-headed spinetail is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Eastern Brazil (Atlantic Forest)
Typical Environment
Occurs in remnants of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest and adjacent secondary growth, especially where the understory is dense. It favors forest edges, vine tangles, and thickets where it can move low and mid-level through vegetation. It may also use disturbed habitats with sufficient shrub cover. Local presence is often patchy, reflecting the fragmentation of suitable forest. Within its range it can be fairly common where habitat persists.
Altitude Range
unknown
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The grey-headed spinetail is a small ovenbird that keeps to dense undergrowth, where it creeps and flicks its tail while foraging. Like many spinetails, it weaves a bulky, domed nest with a side entrance from twigs and fibers. It is most often detected by its dry trills and chatter rather than seen, as it is quite skulking. Habitat loss in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest is the primary concern for this species.
Temperament
secretive and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief darting flights
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, and sometimes accompanies mixed-species understory flocks. Pairs maintain small territories and communicate with rapid calls. Nests are bulky, domed structures with a side entrance, placed low to mid-level in dense vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a short, dry trill or rattle that accelerates slightly, often delivered from cover. Calls include sharp chips and scolds that carry through the understory.
