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.
