The pale-breasted spinetail is a passerine bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Costa Rica, Panama, Trinidad, and in every mainland South American country except Chile and Ecuador.
Region
Central and South America
Typical Environment
This species occupies open and semi-open habitats with dense undergrowth, including savannas, scrub, forest edges, river islands, and secondary growth. It also frequents overgrown pastures, hedgerows, and disturbed areas near human settlements. Across its range, it adapts well to patchy vegetation and avoids continuous tall forest. It is found from Costa Rica and Panama through Trinidad and widely across mainland South America except Chile and Ecuador.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A widespread ovenbird of open and shrubby habitats, the pale-breasted spinetail is known for its long, spiny-tipped tail and constant tail flicking. It often forages low in dense brush, moving restlessly and remaining well hidden. Pairs build bulky stick nests with a side entrance tunnel, which they may reuse or refurbish each season.
Temperament
skulking and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low fluttering dashes between cover
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs, often maintaining territories year-round. Pairs cooperate to build a bulky stick nest with a tunnel-like entrance placed in dense shrubs or low trees. Both sexes incubate and feed the young, and family groups may remain together for a time after fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a rapid series of dry chips that accelerates into a rattling trill. Calls include sharp ticks and chatters given frequently while foraging in cover.
