The ruddy foliage-gleaner is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. Its range is highly disjunct, with populations in Mexico, several Central American countries, and in every mainland South American country except Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Region
Mesoamerica and northern to central South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, including mature terra firme, foothill forests, and well-developed secondary growth. Favors dense understory with vine tangles, bamboo, and dead-leaf clusters where it can glean prey. Present from southern Mexico through Central America, and in South America from Colombia and Venezuela east to the Guianas and south through Amazonia to Peru, Bolivia, and much of Brazil. It is typically local and patchy within this broad range due to habitat preferences. Often found near forest edges, along ravines, and on steep shaded slopes with earthen banks.
Altitude Range
0–2200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A member of the ovenbird family (Furnariidae), the ruddy foliage-gleaner specializes in prying into curled dead leaves and dense tangles to extract hidden arthropods. It often forages in pairs and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the forest understory. Like many ovenbirds, it excavates a burrow nest in an earthen bank, ending in a chamber lined with plant fibers. Its range is notably disjunct, spanning parts of Mexico, Central America, and much of northern and western South America.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense understory
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, maintaining territories in dense forest understory. Frequently associates with mixed-species flocks, moving methodically through vine tangles and fallen leaf clusters. Nests are typically burrows excavated in earthen banks with a chamber lined with plant fibers, and both sexes likely participate in nest activities.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a dry, accelerating series of sharp notes that may culminate in a rattled trill. Calls include rough churrs and ticking notes given while foraging or when alarmed.
