The planalto foliage-gleaner, also known as the russet-mantled foliage-gleaner, is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Brazil and Paraguay.
Region
South-central South America
Typical Environment
Occurs primarily on the Brazilian Planalto and into eastern Paraguay, using semi-humid woodlands, gallery forests, and edges of Atlantic Forest and Cerrado mosaics. It favors forest borders, riparian corridors, and secondary growth with dense vine tangles. Often found in bamboo patches or areas with abundant dead leaf clusters. Tolerates moderately disturbed habitats but depends on wooded structure.
Altitude Range
200–1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the russet-mantled foliage-gleaner, this ovenbird specializes in picking insects from leaves and dead leaf clusters. It often forages in mixed-species flocks and is more often heard than seen as it moves methodically through the midstory. Like many furnariids, it nests in cavities or earthen tunnels. It is generally tolerant of secondary growth and forest edges.
Temperament
skulking but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or family groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks while foraging. Nests in cavities or earthen banks lined with plant fibers. Territorial calls are given from midstory perches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A dry series of sharp notes that may accelerate into a short rattle or trill. Calls include hard tchik or chk notes given repeatedly while foraging.
Plumage
Warm rufous to russet mantle and wings with browner crown and back; underparts buffy to olive-brown with a paler throat. Tail rufous, contrasting with darker upper back. Feathers appear slightly shaggy on the mantle when fluffed, typical of foliage-gleaners.
Diet
Feeds mainly on arthropods such as beetles, ants, spiders, and caterpillars. Gleans prey from live and dead leaves, probes leaf clusters, and inspects vine tangles and bamboo. Occasionally takes small fruits or other invertebrates opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the understory to midstory of woodland edges, gallery forests, and secondary growth. Often concentrates where dead leaves accumulate and along dense vine or bamboo patches.
