The lark-like brushrunner 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 south-central South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in dry Chaco scrub, thorn forest, and open woodland with dense low shrub layers. Also uses savanna with scattered trees, degraded scrub, and pasture edges where thorny bushes persist. Prefers areas with abundant leaf litter and brush piles where it can run and probe for prey. Common in northern and central Argentina, Paraguay, eastern Bolivia, southwestern Brazil, and northern Uruguay.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This species is the only member of its genus and is adapted to running through thorny scrub with its tail often cocked, which gives rise to the name 'brushrunner.' It builds large, bulky twig nests in bushes or low trees, sometimes used by the pair for roosting year-round. Its pale iris and bold eyebrow make it quite distinctive at close range. Despite being widespread, it is affected locally by clearance of Chaco scrub.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct between bushes
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family parties that keep close contact while moving through brush. They build large twig nests in thorny shrubs or small trees and may reuse or maintain them outside the breeding season. Likely maintains a defended territory year-round.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of sharp chatters and rattling trills, often delivered as a duet between pair members. Calls include dry ticks and scolds given from low perches or within dense shrubs.
Plumage
Sandy-brown upperparts with a streaked crown and nape, pale buff supercilium, and whitish underparts with fine streaking on the breast. Wings and long graduated tail show warm rufous tones, especially in flight. Feathers appear slightly loose-textured, aiding camouflage in scrub.
Diet
Primarily takes arthropods such as beetles, ants, termites, spiders, and other small invertebrates. Forages by running on the ground, probing leaf litter, and gleaning from low branches and thorny tangles. Occasionally takes small seeds or other plant matter, especially in drier seasons.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense low scrub, brush piles, and along edges of open woodland and pasture with thorny cover. Often stays within a meter or two of the ground and uses cover to move rapidly between foraging spots.
