The straight-billed reedhaunter is a South American bird species in the family Furnariidae.
Region
Southern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in southern Brazil, Uruguay, and northeastern Argentina, confined to extensive lowland marshes and wet meadows. It favors dense stands of emergent vegetation such as bulrushes, sedges, and caraguatá (Eryngium). Birds keep close to cover along sluggish streams, lagoon margins, and seasonally flooded fields. Populations are highly localized and fragmented due to wetland conversion and frequent burning. It tolerates some grazing but disappears when marsh structure is degraded.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This skulking furnariid is tightly tied to dense marshes and wetlands, often dominated by the spiny plant Eryngium (caraguatá), where it forages and often nests. Its straight, slender bill helps it glean insects from stiff reeds and sedges. Habitat loss from drainage, burning, and rice cultivation is its main threat. Despite being hard to see, its dry trills and rattles can betray its presence.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over vegetation
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, moving mouse-like through dense reeds and caraguatá clumps. Pairs defend small territories year-round and communicate with rapid trills. Nests are placed low in dense, spiny vegetation over or near water, with a small clutch and both parents attending.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A dry, rapid series of trills and rattling notes, often delivered from a semi-concealed perch. Calls include sharp chips and ticking notes used to maintain contact in dense cover.
