The short-billed canastero is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Region
South-central South America (Gran Chaco and adjacent regions)
Typical Environment
Occurs in the dry Chaco and neighboring shrublands of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil (southwestern), Paraguay, and into northern Uruguay. It favors semi-arid thorn scrub, open savannas with scattered bushes, and shrubby grasslands. Frequently uses degraded pastures, fencerows, and roadside thickets where low shrubs persist. Avoids dense closed forests but occupies ecotones and open woodland edges. Often stays close to the ground or within low, tangled vegetation.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small furnariid of the Chaco region, the short-billed canastero is notable for its relatively short, straight bill among canasteros. It builds a bulky stick nest with a side entrance, often in thorny shrubs or cacti. Its unobtrusive habits and insectivorous diet help control arthropod populations in semi-arid landscapes.
Temperament
secretive and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct over shrubs
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs, keeping low in thorny scrub and grass tussocks. During breeding it forms monogamous pairs that defend small territories. Nests are bulky stick structures with a side entrance, placed in dense shrubs or cacti; both sexes participate in construction and care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a dry, accelerating series of trills and ticking notes, often delivered from a low perch within shrubs. Calls are sharp chips and rattles that carry short distances. Vocalizations sound insect-like and can be easily overlooked amid Chaco ambient noise.
Plumage
Warm brown to rufescent upperparts with fine, diffuse streaking on the mantle and back; underparts buffy to grayish with paler throat. Long, somewhat graduated tail shows rich rufous tones. Wings show a rufous panel contrasting with browner coverts. Overall texture is plain with subtle streaks and a clean, pale face.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects and other arthropods, including beetles, ants, termites, and spiders. Gleans prey from leaf litter, stems, and bark of low shrubs. Occasionally probes into grass tussocks and dead vegetation. Seeds or plant matter are taken rarely and opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Forages near or on the ground within thorn scrub, open woodland edges, and shrubby pastures. Often uses fencerows, hedges, and roadside thickets where low, tangled cover is available.
