The pink-legged graveteiro is a species of bird in the family Furnariidae that is endemic to the Atlantic Forest located in the southeast part of Brazil, thriving in local cocoa plantations. As of 2000 the pink-legged graveteiro is listed as a near threatened species. The estimated population of the pink-legged graveteiro is between 2,500 and 9,999 individuals left in the wild. Its main habitat is cocoa plantations. It is the only member of the genus Acrobatornis.
Region
Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs primarily in traditional shade-cocoa plantations (cabruca) interwoven with remnants of lowland and foothill Atlantic Forest. It favors the mid- to upper canopy of shade trees above cacao understory, also using forest edges and secondary growth. Populations are patchy and localized, often near protected forest fragments. It is rarely found in heavily degraded or sun-exposed monocultures. Nests are placed high in the canopy within managed agroforestry mosaics.
Altitude Range
0–600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This ovenbird is the only member of its genus and was described to science in the 1990s. It is tightly associated with shade-grown cocoa agroforestry (cabruca) in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, where it forages and nests in the canopy. Its reliance on traditional shade cacao makes it an indicator of wildlife-friendly farming. Habitat loss and conversion to sun-grown cacao have driven population declines.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick, direct flights between canopy clumps
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and may join mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Both sexes cooperate in building bulky stick nests placed high in shade trees. Likely monogamous, nesting within territories centered on suitable cacao groves.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A sharp series of chip notes accelerating into a short, dry trill. Calls are high-pitched and penetrating, often given while foraging acrobatically among canopy branches.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with warmer rufescent tones on the tail and wings, and paler buffy underparts. Subtle streaking or wash on the throat and breast with a slight contrast between mantle and belly. Overall smooth, plain plumage typical of furnariids.
Diet
Feeds mainly on arthropods, including insects and spiders, gleaned from leaves, twigs, and epiphytes. It probes bark crevices and leaf clusters and may sally short distances to snatch prey. Occasionally takes small larvae or other soft-bodied invertebrates.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid- to upper canopy of shade trees in cacao plantations and adjacent forest edges. Uses structurally complex foliage and vine tangles where prey is concentrated.
