The russet-bellied spinetail is a Vulnerable species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is endemic to Peru.
Region
Central Peruvian Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs on the west slope canyons and intermontane valleys in central Peru, favoring xeric montane scrub and thorny thickets. It keeps to dense, tangled vegetation along ravines, rocky slopes with cacti and shrubs, and brushy field edges. Riparian thickets with shrubs and low trees are also used, especially where adjacent to arid slopes. It generally avoids tall forest and very open ground, relying on cover for foraging and nesting.
Altitude Range
800–3000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy undergrowth specialist, the russet-bellied spinetail is restricted to arid Andean valleys of central Peru. It builds a bulky, domed stick nest with a side entrance tucked into dense shrubs. Habitat loss from agriculture, urban encroachment, and overgrazing has driven declines, earning it a Vulnerable status. Pairs often duet, and the bird is more often detected by its rattling song than seen.
Temperament
skulking and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, usually low over cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, keeping close to dense shrubs where it forages and nests. Pairs maintain small territories and often duet to advertise occupancy. Nests are bulky domed structures of sticks with a side entrance, placed low in dense vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A dry, rattling series and chattering trills, often delivered as a duet by a pair. Calls are sharp ticks and chatters given from within cover, making the species more easily heard than seen.
Plumage
Plain brownish upperparts with warm rufous wings and a long, graduated rufous tail; underparts distinctly russet to rufous on the belly with paler throat and chest. Feathers are smooth and unspotted, giving a clean, uniform look. A faint pale supercilium may be present, and the tail often appears slightly ragged at the tips.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods, including insects and spiders gleaned from leaves, twigs, and bark in dense shrubs. It probes leaf clusters and tangles, occasionally sallying short distances to snatch prey. Plant material is minimal but it may take small berries opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within dense scrub, thorny thickets, and riparian brush, usually 0.5–2 m above ground. Often forages along edges of ravines and among cacti and scattered shrubs where cover is continuous.
