The lesser hornero is a species of bird in the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is closely related to the Pale-legged hornero, and their global distribution overlaps somewhat. This species is monotypic, meaning there is only one subspecies.
Region
Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Found along major white-water rivers of the western and central Amazon Basin, especially on river islands and newly formed floodplain edges. It favors early successional scrub, sandbars with scattered shrubs, and open riverine thickets. The species frequently occupies dynamic habitats created by seasonal flooding and sediment deposition. It occurs locally along rivers such as the Amazon, Madeira, Ucayali, and Purus where suitable low woody vegetation is present.
Altitude Range
0–500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The lesser hornero is a small ovenbird that builds the classic domed, mud ‘oven’ nest on low branches or human structures near large rivers. It is closely related to the pale-legged hornero and shares parts of its range, but is smaller and favors dynamic river-island habitats. Pairs maintain territories year-round and often perform loud, coordinated duets. The species is monotypic, with no recognized subspecies.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; low, direct flights between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs that defend small territories along river edges. Both sexes cooperate in building the mud ‘oven’ nest and in raising the young. Nests are placed on low branches or structures in open riverine settings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, ringing duet of accelerating notes, with male and female overlapping in a fast-paced rattle. Calls include sharp chips and trills used during territorial exchanges and pair contact.
Plumage
Compact, rufous-brown upperparts with a warmer rufous tail and paler, buffy underparts; subtle streaking minimal or absent. Shows a buffy supercilium and a slightly paler throat. Wings are warm brown with rufous tones, contrasting with the tail.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects and other small arthropods, including beetles, ants, spiders, and larvae. Forages by gleaning from ground, sandbars, and low vegetation, and occasionally probes soft substrates along the waterline. It may flip leaf litter or peck at driftwood and debris deposited by floods.
Preferred Environment
Open sandy or muddy river margins, newly vegetated islands, and low scrub along floodplains. Often feeds on exposed sandbars and along edges of thickets where visibility is good.
