The rufous spinetail is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in the northern and central Andes of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru. Prefers humid montane and cloud forests with dense understory, especially Chusquea bamboo, as well as forest edges and second growth. Often found along steep ravines, landslides, and thickets where cover is abundant. It typically stays low to mid understory, moving methodically through tangles. Human-altered edges with regenerating bamboo can also be used.
Altitude Range
1800–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A bamboo-loving furnariid of humid Andean forests, the rufous spinetail often keeps to dense understory where it flicks and cocks its spiny-tipped tail. It frequently forages in pairs and may join mixed-species flocks, especially in Chusquea bamboo thickets. Its dry, rattling trills carry through cloud-forest edges and elfin forest.
Temperament
skulking and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs that maintain territories within dense understory. Often accompanies mixed-species flocks moving through bamboo and vine tangles. Nests are bulky, enclosed stick structures with a side entrance, placed low to mid-level in dense vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers a dry, accelerating rattle or series of sharp trills that can sound insect-like. Calls include hard chips and chatters given while moving through cover.
