The puna thistletail is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Peru and far-western Bolivia.
Region
Central Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in the high Andes of south-central Peru and adjacent far-western Bolivia. It inhabits humid montane scrub, edges of elfin forest, Polylepis–Gynoxys groves, and thickets of Chusquea bamboo near treeline. The species keeps close to dense vegetation, moving through tangles and shrub layers while foraging. It is generally sedentary within its elevational band but may shift locally with weather and resource availability.
Altitude Range
3000–4200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, high-Andean ovenbird that skulks through dense shrubs and bamboo at treeline. It sports a long, spiny-tipped tail that it flicks frequently while foraging. The species often travels in pairs and gives a dry, buzzy trill from low cover. Habitat loss in Polylepis woodlands can affect local populations.
Temperament
skulking and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief, low dashes between shrubs
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes with family groups after breeding. Territorial during the breeding season and often remains in a small home range year-round. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation; both adults participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers a dry, buzzy trill that may accelerate slightly, interspersed with sharp tick notes. Calls are thin and high-pitched, often given from within thick cover.
Plumage
Overall brown to gray-brown with fine streaking on the back and throat, warm rufous wings and a long, ragged, spiny-tipped tail. Underparts are buffy to grayish with subtle streaking on the upper breast. Feathers often appear slightly shaggy, especially around the tail.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods such as insects and spiders. It gleans from leaves, stems, and moss, and probes bark crevices and bamboo culms. Foraging is deliberate but continuous, with frequent tail flicks and short hops through dense understory.
Preferred Environment
Dense Andean shrublands, Polylepis and Gynoxys patches, and Chusquea bamboo thickets near treeline. Often forages within 1–3 meters of the ground, staying inside tangled cover.
