The Pacific hornero is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Pacific lowlands of northwestern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southwestern Colombia through the coastal lowlands of Ecuador into northwestern Peru. Favors open and semi-open habitats including dry forests, scrub, pastures, fields, and urban and rural edges. Often found near watercourses and in coastal plains, and readily uses human-made structures for nesting. It is generally a lowland species but can range into foothills locally.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Pacific horneros are renowned for building sturdy, domed mud nests—‘ovens’—on branches, fence posts, and even utility poles. Pairs are strongly territorial and often perform loud, synchronized duets with tail-fanning displays. They adapt well to human-modified landscapes, commonly seen in farms, parks, and roadside areas.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs that defend territories year-round. Both sexes cooperate to build the characteristic mud nest and to rear the young. Nests are often placed on exposed supports, including branches, fence posts, and buildings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, ringing duet of accelerating, rattling notes, with the pair often overlapping and answering each other. Calls carry well across open country and are frequently given during territorial displays. Also emits sharp chips when alarmed.
