The olive spinetail is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Region
Southeastern South America (Atlantic Forest and adjacent areas)
Typical Environment
Occurs in southeastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina, primarily within the Atlantic Forest biome and adjacent gallery forests. It frequents forest edges, riparian thickets, secondary growth, and bamboo-rich understory. The species tolerates moderately disturbed habitats and can be found in plantations or wooded parks near continuous forest. It typically forages from the lower understory up to the midstory, keeping to dense cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This active furnariid favors dense tangles and bamboo thickets, often joining mixed-species flocks as it forages. Like many spinetails, it uses its tail as a brace while gleaning. It is more often heard than seen, with a fast series of sharp notes that accelerates into a trill. Subtle plumage makes vocalizations and behavior key to identification.
Temperament
skulking yet active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, remaining in contact with soft calls while moving through tangles. Frequently joins mixed-species flocks, especially with other understory insectivores. Nests are typically placed in concealed sites within dense vegetation; both sexes likely participate in nest building and care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A quick series of sharp notes that accelerates into a dry, mechanical-sounding trill. Calls include thin chips and short rattles used for contact within pairs or flocks.
Plumage
Mostly olive-brown above with a slightly paler, buffy-olive underside and a faintly contrasting throat. Wings and tail show warm rufescent tones typical of spinetails. Overall appearance is plain, with fine streaking absent and texture smooth.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods such as insects, spiders, and their eggs or larvae. Gleans prey from leaves, twigs, vine tangles, and dead leaf clusters. Will probe bark crevices and bamboo culms, often using its tail for support while maneuvering through dense vegetation.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory, vine tangles, bamboo patches, and along riparian thickets. Often works methodically through midstory tangles and forest edges, sometimes near human-altered woodlands if sufficient cover remains.
