The speckled spinetail is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Region
Amazon Basin and the Guianas
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across lowland Amazonia, including Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, French Guiana, and Suriname. Prefers dense understory of várzea and igapó (seasonally flooded) forests, river-edge thickets, and secondary growth. Often associated with vine tangles, bamboo, and shrubby river islands. It typically keeps to shaded, cluttered habitats where it forages methodically from near ground level to the midstory.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The speckled spinetail is an Amazonian furnariid that favors dense riverine thickets and seasonally flooded forests. It often joins mixed-species flocks, where it actively gleans insects from vine tangles and dead leaf clusters. Its name refers to the fine white speckling on the throat and breast, a helpful field mark in the dim understory. Despite wide distribution, it can be surprisingly inconspicuous, keeping low in tangled vegetation.
Temperament
secretive but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and frequently accompanies mixed-species flocks in the understory. Likely monogamous, maintaining territories year-round in suitable habitat. Nests are typically bulky structures placed in dense vegetation or tangles, with both adults participating in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a short series of sharp, accelerating chips or thin chatter that can end in a trill. Calls include dry, scolding notes and soft contact ticks used to stay in touch while moving through cover.
