The Patagonian canastero is a species of bird in the Furnariidae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is endemic to Argentina.
Region
Patagonia, Argentina
Typical Environment
Occurs in arid Patagonian shrub-steppe and open scrub with low, thorny bushes and bunchgrasses. It favors windswept slopes, rocky outcrops, and ravines with scattered shrubs, often near cushion plants. The species keeps close to cover, moving through low vegetation and along the ground. It is largely absent from dense forest and from heavily cultivated areas.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This skulking furnariid is confined to the windswept shrub-steppe of Argentine Patagonia. Its common name 'canastero' refers to the basket-like stick nests many species in this group build in shrubs. It is most often detected by its buzzy trills delivered from a low perch. Taxonomically placed in Pseudasthenes, it was formerly grouped within Asthenes.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct over shrubs
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs, maintaining territories in low scrub. Pairs are presumed monogamous and nest in sturdy, basket-like stick structures placed within dense shrubs. Nests are lined with softer materials and have a side entrance. Both sexes likely participate in territory defense and nesting duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A buzzy, trilled series that accelerates slightly, often delivered from a low perch in a shrub. Calls include dry chips and rattles given while foraging in cover.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with fine streaking, buffy underparts lightly streaked on the breast, and a distinctly rufous tail. Shows a pale, diffuse supercilium and slightly rufous wing panel; tail often appears brighter than the back.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects and other small arthropods, gleaning from twigs, leaves, and the ground. It probes among leaf litter and at the bases of bushes, occasionally sallying short distances to pick prey. Small spiders and beetles are common items; seeds may be taken opportunistically but form a minor part of the diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages close to or within low shrubs and thorny bushes of the Patagonian steppe. Often works along rocky edges and open patches between bushes where arthropods concentrate.
