The necklaced spinetail is a species of ovenbird in the family Furnariidae. It is found in Ecuador and Peru.
Region
Tumbesian region of western South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in arid and semi-arid scrub, deciduous dry forest, and thorn woodland from southwestern Ecuador into northwestern Peru. Favors dense tangles, cactus-studded slopes, and Prosopis (algarrobo) groves, often near edges and along dry watercourses. It tolerates moderately disturbed habitats and hedgerows but generally avoids humid forest. Most common in coastal lowlands and foothills.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This spinetail is a specialist of the Tumbesian dry forests, where it creeps through thorny scrub with a constantly twitching, spiny-tipped tail. Pairs construct bulky stick nests with a long entrance tunnel, typical of many ovenbirds. They often duet, delivering synchronized chatter from dense cover.
Illustration by Joseph Smit, 1874
Temperament
secretive but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs that maintain small territories year-round. Pairs build bulky, domed stick nests with a long entrance tube placed in thorny shrubs or low trees. They keep low in dense cover, often flicking the tail while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a fast, chattering series that may accelerate and end abruptly; pairs often duet. Calls include sharp chips and dry trills given from inside cover.
