The red-faced spinetail is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Panama.
Region
Central America and Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Found from southern Costa Rica and Panama into the humid foothills and montane forests of western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. It favors primary and mature secondary forest, forest edges, and thickets along ravines. The species is most often encountered in the midstory where dense vines and bromeliads provide foraging substrates. It tolerates some disturbance if remnant forest structure remains, and can occur in mixed-species flocks along forest edges.
Altitude Range
400–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This active furnariid often joins mixed-species flocks, darting through vine tangles and epiphyte-laden branches. Its common name comes from its stiff, spiny-tipped tail feathers, which it uses for support while foraging acrobatically. The bright rufous face stands out in the dim light of cloud-forest understories. It typically occurs in pairs that keep close contact with sharp, rattling calls.
A nest masquerading as debris.
Temperament
active and somewhat secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or family groups and frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Pairs maintain contact with sharp calls while moving through dense vegetation. Nests are typically bulky, domed structures of fibers and leaves placed in dense vines or shrubs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a short series of thin, accelerating notes that can sound like a high rattling trill. Calls are sharp chips and dry rattles given frequently as birds forage.
