The orange-eyed thornbird is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Atlantic Forest belt of southeastern Brazil, favoring forest edges, riverine thickets, restinga scrub, and secondary woodland. It is most often found in dense understory, bamboo tangles, and vine-choked clearings, where it can move and nest within protective cover. The species tolerates fragmented habitats and is regularly seen in regenerating forest, hedgerows, and overgrown pastures near forest. It generally avoids the interior of tall, mature forest but uses nearby edges extensively.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The orange-eyed thornbird is an Atlantic Forest furnariid named for its striking orange iris. It builds large, ball-like stick nests with side entrances, often placed in thorny shrubs or bamboo clumps. Pairs are highly vocal and frequently duet to advertise territory. Despite tolerating secondary growth, it depends on dense understory that is declining with ongoing habitat fragmentation.
Temperament
pair-forming and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs year-round, sometimes with dependent young forming small family groups after breeding. Pairs build bulky, domed stick nests in thorny shrubs or bamboo, and both sexes participate in nest defense and provisioning. They are mostly secretive within dense cover but will perch up to sing or scold intruders. Occasionally associates with mixed-species flocks along forest edges.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, fast duet of rattling trills and sharp chatters, often delivered antiphonally by the pair. Calls include harsh scolds and dry tchik notes given from cover. Vocalizations carry well through thickets at dawn and early morning.
