The line-fronted canastero is a Near Threatened species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Bolivia and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in the central Andean highlands of southeastern Peru and western Bolivia, centered on fragmented Polylepis woodlands, elfin forest edges, and adjacent shrubby puna. It uses steep slopes, ravines, and patchy woodland islands within high-elevation grasslands. Birds typically keep to dense low vegetation and ground layer, moving methodically while foraging. Local occurrence is strongly tied to intact or recovering Polylepis stands with nearby shrub thickets.
Altitude Range
3000–4500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This high-Andean furnariid is closely tied to Polylepis woodlands and adjacent shrub-grass mosaics, habitats that are highly fragmented and often burned or logged. The fine dark lines across its forehead give the species its name. It forages low in shrubs or on the ground, often in pairs, and may join mixed-species flocks in cooler months. Habitat conservation and restoration of Polylepis groves are key to its persistence.
Temperament
skulking and cautious
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating dashes between cover
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, sometimes in small family groups after breeding. It nests in dense shrubs or low woodland, constructing a domed or bulky stick nest typical of furnariids. Pairs defend small territories but may join mixed-species foraging parties in cooler seasons.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, thin series of trills and buzzy notes that accelerates slightly and then tapers off. Calls are sharp, tick-like chips used to maintain contact in dense cover.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with rufous tones on wings and tail, paler buff underparts, and fine streaking on the forehead and face. Tail is largely rufous with darker subterminal markings; wings show rufous edging. Feathers appear slightly shaggy on the crown, with a neat, compact body and relatively long tail typical of canasteros.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, spiders, and other insects gleaned from leaves, twigs, and the ground. It probes leaf litter and pecks among mosses and lichens on low branches. Foraging is deliberate, with short hops and frequent tail flicks. It occasionally hawks short distances to snatch flushed prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along edges and interiors of Polylepis groves, shrubby ravines, and grass-shrub ecotones. Often keeps to dense low vegetation where it can glean methodically and remain concealed from predators.
