Hudson's canastero is a Near Threatened species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in grasslands in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay.
Region
Southern Cone (Pampas)
Typical Environment
Occurs primarily in the open grasslands of the Pampas across northeastern Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul). It favors native tall grasses, lightly grazed pastures, and edges of marshes and wetlands. It also uses roadside grass verges and fallow fields where dense tussocks persist. The species generally avoids dense forest and urbanized areas, relying on continuous grass cover for foraging and nesting.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Hudson's canastero is a furtive furnariid of the South American Pampas, often keeping low in tall grasses where it cocks and flicks its rufous tail. It is named after the naturalist William Henry Hudson. The species is considered Near Threatened due to ongoing loss and degradation of native grasslands through agriculture and afforestation.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low undulating dashes over grass
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories in suitable grassland patches. Pairs are presumed monogamous and nest low in dense tussocks or shrubs, building a bulky domed or basket-like structure of grasses. Clutch size is small, and both adults participate in nest defense and provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a short, buzzy trill or series of dry rattling notes delivered from a low perch or within grass. Calls include thin tseet notes and harsher chips used for contact and alarm.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with fine streaking, paler buffy underparts, and rich rufous tones in the wings and tail. Feathers are soft and loosely textured, aiding in stealth among grasses. A pale buff supercilium contrasts with a darker eye line, and the tail shows rufous with darker subterminal shading.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and other small arthropods, gleaned from ground litter, grass stems, and the bases of tussocks. It probes among dead leaves and root mats and occasionally takes small spiders and larvae. Seeds may be taken opportunistically but are not a staple.
Preferred Environment
Forages within dense native grasses, at marsh edges, and in lightly grazed pastures where cover remains. Often stays close to the ground, moving mouse-like through vegetation and emerging briefly to sally to nearby stems.
