The sharp-billed canastero or lesser canastero is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay, and has also occurred as a vagrant in Brazil.
Region
Southern Cone of South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from central and southern Argentina into Chile, with populations also in Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay; rare vagrants reach southern Brazil. It favors open, arid to semi-arid shrublands, Monte desert scrub, and Patagonian steppe, as well as brushy edges of grasslands and Chaco-like thorn scrub. In the Andes and intermontane valleys it uses xeric slopes with scattered bushes. It is generally absent from dense forests and very humid habitats, but may occupy hedgerows and shrubby pastures in agricultural mosaics.
Altitude Range
0–3000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small ovenbird uses its fine, needle-like bill to probe twiggy shrubs for hidden arthropods, often flicking its tail as it forages close to the ground. Pairs typically build bulky, domed stick nests with a side entrance placed in thorny bushes for protection. It occurs across open scrub and steppe of the Southern Cone and is generally common where suitable brushy cover persists.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights between shrubs
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs, maintaining small territories in shrub-dominated habitats. Pairs are thought to be monogamous and cooperate in building a domed stick nest with a side entrance placed low in thorny bushes. Clutches are small, and both adults attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a rapid, dry, mechanical-sounding trill that accelerates slightly, often delivered from a low perch within a bush. Calls include sharp, thin chips and a brief rattle used in contact and alarm.
