The pale-browed treehunter is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid Atlantic Forest from Bahia and Minas Gerais south through Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo to Paraná and Santa Catarina. It favors mature and well-structured forests with dense understory, especially along slopes and ravines. Frequently associated with bamboo stands, vine tangles, and bromeliad-laden trunks. Uses secondary growth and forest edges when structure is dense, but is most common in continuous forest.
Altitude Range
300–1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This large foliage-gleaner of the Atlantic Forest is most often detected by its bold pale eyebrow and loud, rasping calls from dense undergrowth. It specializes in probing bamboo thickets, dead-leaf clusters, and bromeliads for hidden arthropods. The species is sensitive to forest degradation and is much less frequent away from intact montane and foothill forest.
Temperament
secretive and methodical
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief, direct hops between cover
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs that defend territories year-round; occasionally accompanies mixed-species understory flocks. Forages by prying and probing in bamboo, dead leaves, epiphytes, and mossy trunks. Nesting is poorly documented but, like many ovenbirds, involves enclosed structures placed in protected sites; both sexes likely participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, dry series of harsh, grating notes that accelerate slightly, often delivered from concealed perches. Calls include sharp chacks and rattling trills given during foraging or territorial interactions.
