The sharp-billed treehunter, sometimes called the sharp-billed xenops, is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Region
Atlantic Forest of southeastern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern Brazil into eastern Paraguay, northeastern Argentina, and northern Uruguay. It favors humid Atlantic Forest, Araucaria mixed forests, and tall semi-deciduous forests, including edges and taller secondary growth. Often uses bamboo thickets and vine-tangled areas within mature forest. Forages from lower midstory to canopy, frequently on larger branches and trunks.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the sharp-billed xenops, this small ovenbird forages along trunks and branches with a fine, needle-like bill. It often joins mixed-species flocks in the Atlantic Forest, moving quickly through the midstory and canopy. Though sensitive to large-scale forest loss, it can persist in secondary and edge habitats where some mature trees remain.
Temperament
active and somewhat secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, and commonly joins mixed-species flocks moving through the midstory and canopy. Breeding biology is poorly known, but pairs likely defend small territories and both sexes participate in care. Nesting is presumed in natural cavities or crevices, as in related treehunters.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a brief, high, thin trill or accelerating series of sharp notes. Calls include high-pitched tseet and ticking notes given while foraging in flocks.
