The slaty spinetail or slaty castlebuilder,, is a passerine bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found from Honduras south to Peru.
Region
Mesoamerica and the Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs from Honduras south through Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama into Colombia, Ecuador, and northwestern Peru. It favors humid forest edges, secondary growth, thickets, vine tangles, and bamboo stands, often near watercourses. Common along roadsides with dense shrubbery and in overgrown clearings and plantations. Typically keeps to the lower to mid understory and is more often heard than seen.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the slaty castlebuilder, this spinetail is a furtive understory bird that often cocks and fans its rufous tail while moving through dense thickets. It constructs large, bulky stick nests with side entrances, which inspires the 'castlebuilder' nickname. Pairs frequently duet with rapid chattering songs and may join mixed-species flocks in forest edges and second growth.
Temperament
secretive and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, darting flights
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs that maintain territories year-round. Frequently participates in mixed-species flocks in the understory. Builds a large, globular stick nest with a side entrance placed in dense shrubs or bamboo.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Rapid, dry chatter and trills delivered in bursts; pairs often duet. Calls include sharp chips and rattles given while moving through tangles.
