The montane foliage-gleaner is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Northern and Central Andes
Typical Environment
Found from Venezuela through Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru to Bolivia, primarily in humid montane and cloud forests. It favors moss-laden forests rich in epiphytes, bamboo, and dense understory. Birds use forest edges, ravines, and secondary growth if sufficient canopy and epiphyte cover remain. It commonly accompanies mixed-species flocks along slopes and ridgelines. Local abundance varies with habitat integrity, being more frequent in mature forest.
Altitude Range
800–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This Andean ovenbird is an energetic forager that specializes in picking insects from mossy branches, dead leaves, and epiphytes. It often joins mixed-species flocks, where its methodical, leaf-by-leaf searching helps flush prey for itself and other flock members. Its throat shows fine streaking, a key field mark at higher elevations. Though widespread, it can be locally sensitive to heavy forest degradation.
Temperament
active and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, frequently joining mixed-species flocks that move through midstory and subcanopy. Likely monogamous, with pairs maintaining small territories within suitable forest. Nests are typically placed in cavities or earthen banks and lined with plant fibers and leaves.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are dry, rattling trills and series of sharp notes delivered from within cover. Calls include scolds and chips used to keep contact within mixed flocks.
Plumage
Warm brown to olive-brown upperparts with rich rufous wings and tail; underparts buffy to cinnamon with fine dark streaking on the throat. Feathers often appear slightly shaggy due to frequent foraging in wet, mossy substrates. The face shows a pale buff supercilium and darker lores.
Diet
Primarily consumes arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, spiders, and other small invertebrates. It probes bark crevices, dead leaf clusters, and epiphytes, gleaning and prying prey items. Occasionally takes small berries or other plant material, especially when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages in humid montane forest, especially areas with abundant mosses, bromeliads, and dense foliage. Most feeding occurs in the midstory to subcanopy along trunks, vines, and large branches.
