The long-tailed cinclodes is a Near Threatened species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Southern Brazilian Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane grasslands (campos), rocky outcrops, and edges of Araucaria-dominated highland mosaics. It favors open slopes with scattered rocks, seepages, and stream margins where soil is soft for probing. The species also uses road cuts and banks for nesting. Human-modified pastures are used if some native grassland structure and rocks persist.
Altitude Range
900–1800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The long-tailed cinclodes is a ground-loving ovenbird of Brazil’s southern highlands, named for its noticeably long, graduated tail. It typically nests in burrows or crevices in earthen banks and rocky slopes. Habitat loss from pasture conversion, tree plantations, and infrastructure has reduced suitable grassland, contributing to conservation concern.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct over the ground
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, maintaining territories year-round. Monogamous pairs nest in burrows or cavities in earthen banks or rocky crevices, lining chambers with dry plant material. Breeding occurs in the austral spring–summer, and adults defend nest sites vigorously.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, ringing series of short trills and descending notes delivered from exposed perches like rocks or fence posts. Calls include sharp, metallic chip notes used in contact and alarm. Song carries well across open grasslands.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with a pale buffy supercilium, lightly streaked throat, and paler buff underparts. Wings show rufous tones forming a subtle panel in flight. The tail is long and graduated, often flicked while foraging.
Diet
Primarily takes terrestrial arthropods such as beetles, ants, caterpillars, and other insect larvae. It probes soil and leaf litter, picks prey from rock surfaces, and gleans around water seepages. Occasionally captures small invertebrates flushed from grass tussocks by livestock or wind.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open montane grasslands, rocky slopes, and along stream edges and wet seeps. Frequently forages on the ground among stones, at the bases of tussock grasses, and on exposed soil banks.
