The Marcapata spinetail is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is endemic to Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs on the humid montane slopes of southeastern Peru, especially in mossy cloud forest and elfin forest with extensive bamboo (Chusquea). It favors edges, gaps, and shrubby ridges where bamboo forms dense thickets. The species typically forages in the lower to mid-story, moving methodically through tangles and epiphyte-laden branches. It is most often detected by its dry, rattling trills and active tail-flicking behavior.
Altitude Range
2400–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Marcapata spinetail is a bamboo-associated furnariid found only on the humid east slope of the Peruvian Andes. It often keeps to dense Chusquea bamboo, where it creeps and flicks its tail while foraging. The species frequently joins mixed-species flocks. Its name comes from the Marcapata region of Cusco.
Temperament
active and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups, often joining mixed-species flocks moving through bamboo and mossy understory. Nests are typically bulky, enclosed structures of sticks and fibers placed in dense vegetation. Pairs maintain small territories within suitable bamboo patches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A dry, accelerating trill or rattle, sometimes delivered as a short series of sharp notes that build and then fade. Calls include thin ticks and dry chatter given while foraging.
Plumage
A small, active spinetail with warm brown upperparts, rufous wings and tail, and buffy to grayish underparts. Shows a pale, slightly buff supercilium and fine dark lores; tail is long and graduated with rufous tones. The overall appearance is earthy and rufescent with subtle facial contrast.
Diet
Primarily consumes small arthropods such as insects and their larvae, gleaned from leaves, twigs, and epiphytes. It probes bamboo culms and leaf sheaths, often inspecting dead leaf clusters and moss. Occasionally may take tiny spiders or other invertebrates.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense bamboo thickets within humid montane and elfin forests, as well as forest edges and gaps. Typically uses the lower to mid-story, moving methodically through tangles and vine-laden branches.
