The slender-billed xenops is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Region
Amazon Basin and Guiana Shield
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across lowland humid evergreen forests of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, and the Guianas. It favors interior terra firme forest but also uses edges, older secondary growth, and vine- and bamboo-rich patches. Most foraging happens in the midstory to canopy, especially in clusters of dead leaves suspended from fine branches. It is typically scarce to uncommon and easily overlooked due to its quiet, methodical movements.
Altitude Range
0–1400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny ovenbird specialized for gleaning insects from curled dead leaves and fine twigs, the slender-billed xenops uses its thin, slightly upturned bill to probe and pry. It often joins mixed-species flocks in the forest midstory and canopy, moving restlessly and inspecting suspended leaf clusters. Its presence is a good indicator of intact lowland rainforest structure. Despite its wide range across the Amazon and Guiana Shield, it can be locally scarce and hard to detect.
Temperament
quiet, active, and methodical
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief direct dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, but commonly joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Nests are placed in cavities or soft, rotten wood where a short tunnel is excavated; both sexes likely participate. Clutch size is small, and nesting is often concealed within dense forest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of notes, sometimes delivered as a quick, ascending or slightly trilled phrase. Calls include sharp, dry ticks given while foraging in mixed flocks.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with a buffy supercilium, pale underparts lightly streaked on the breast, and rich rufous tail and wing panels. The bill is very slender and slightly upturned, adapted for probing dead leaves. Overall appearance is plain but with subtle rufous and buff contrasts.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods such as beetles, ants, termites, caterpillars, and spiders. Specializes in inspecting dead leaf clusters, vine tangles, and fine branch tips where prey hides. Uses its slender bill to pry, probe, and glean from curled leaves and flaky bark.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the forest midstory to canopy, especially where suspended dead leaves are abundant. Frequently accompanies mixed-species flocks along forest edges, gaps, and interior trails.
