The rusty-vented canastero or creamy-breasted canastero is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Argentina and Bolivia.
Region
Central Andes
Typical Environment
Found mainly in western Bolivia and northwestern Argentina along the Andean slopes and intermontane valleys. Prefers arid to semi-arid scrub, open shrub-steppe, hedgerows, and edges of agricultural fields. It also uses rocky hillsides with scattered bushes and the margins of Polylepis or other montane woodlands. Typically occurs in patchy, bushy cover rather than dense forest. Often near human-altered landscapes where shrubs persist.
Altitude Range
1500–4200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Creamy-breasted Canastero, this furnariid is typical of arid Andean foothills and montane scrub. It often holds its long tail cocked and forages low in bushes, remaining fairly inconspicuous despite frequent vocalizing. Pairs maintain year-round territories and build bulky stick nests with side entrances. Its rusty vent and creamy underparts help separate it from similar canasteros.
Temperament
secretive but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Occurs singly or in pairs, usually remaining low in shrubs and moving with quick hops and tail flicks. Pairs defend territories throughout the year and may duet. Nests are bulky, stick-built structures with side entrances placed in thorny bushes.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a fast series of sharp notes that accelerates into a dry rattle or trill. Calls include crisp chip and chatter notes given frequently while foraging. Vocal activity peaks at dawn and early morning.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with subtle streaking, creamy to buff underparts, and a distinctly rusty vent and undertail coverts. Tail is long and often held cocked; wings show rufous tones. A pale eyebrow contrasts with a dusky ear patch.
Diet
Primarily feeds on small arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, spiders, and ants gleaned from foliage and twigs. It probes leaf litter and crevices in shrubs and occasionally takes prey from the ground. Seasonal plant matter such as small seeds may be taken opportunistically but is minor in the diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense or thorny shrubs, hedgerows, and rocky slopes with scattered bushes. Often works methodically through mid to lower shrub layers and along edges of scrubby patches.
