The rufous-tailed xenops 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 French Guiana.
Region
Amazon Basin and Guiana Shield
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in lowland tropical forests of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela, and possibly French Guiana. It favors mature terra firme forest, edges, and tall secondary growth with abundant vines and dead leaf clusters. Often forages in the midstory and subcanopy but can range from understory to lower canopy. Local presence tracks intact forest cover, and it is less common in heavily degraded habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The rufous-tailed xenops is a tiny ovenbird that creeps along branches and twigs, using a slightly upturned chisel-like bill to pry insects from bark and dead leaf clusters. Its bright rufous tail often gives it away as it flicks and fans while foraging. It commonly joins mixed-species flocks in the Amazon, making brief, rapid foraging sallies. Despite its small size, its high, thin trills carry surprisingly well in dense forest.
Temperament
active and furtive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically forages singly or in pairs and frequently joins mixed-species flocks moving through midstory tangles. It creeps and clings to small branches and vine clusters, probing bark and dead leaves. Nesting is believed to occur in cavities or soft, rotten wood, with a small clutch and biparental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of high, thin trills and sharp tseep notes delivered from midstory perches. Calls can be dry and ticking, often given while moving with mixed flocks.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with faint streaking, paler buffy underparts, and a distinctly rufous tail. Slightly contrasting buffy supercilium and pale throat; wings show rufous tones. Feathers are compact and smooth, suited for maneuvering through dense foliage.
Diet
Primarily takes small arthropods such as beetles, ants, larvae, and spiders. It gleans and probes bark, lichens, and dead leaf clusters, occasionally prying with the bill tip. It may briefly sally to capture flushed prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in midstory and subcanopy of intact terra firme forest and edges, especially where vine tangles and suspended dead leaves are abundant. Also forages along fallen and leaning branches in semi-open interior gaps.
