The ruddy spinetail is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela, and possibly Guyana.
Region
Amazon Basin and Guiana Shield
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in lowland tropical forests of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, and the Guianas. It favors terra firme and seasonally flooded forest edges, vine tangles, and bamboo thickets. Most activity is in the lower to mid understory, typically within a few meters of the ground. It tolerates secondary growth if dense cover remains. Generally absent from open habitats and highly fragmented forests.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The ruddy spinetail is an understory furnariid that keeps to dense tangles where it creeps and flicks its long, spiny-tipped tail for balance. It often joins mixed-species flocks but remains low and hidden. Like many spinetails, it builds a bulky, domed stick nest with a side entrance. Its warm rufous coloration blends perfectly with leaf litter and vine thickets.
Temperament
secretive but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats over brief distances
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining territories year-round. Often accompanies mixed-species understory flocks while foraging. Pairs are presumed monogamous and construct bulky, domed stick nests with a side entrance placed low in dense vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers a dry, mechanical-sounding trill or rapid series of scratchy notes from concealed perches. Calls include sharp chips and rattles used to keep contact in dense cover.
