The streak-breasted treehunter is a passerine bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Costa Rica and Panama.
Region
Central American Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane forests of Costa Rica and western Panama, especially in mature cloud forest with dense understory. It favors ravines, forest edges, and areas with abundant epiphytes and bamboo thickets. The species is most frequent in moss-laden habitats with plentiful dead-leaf clusters. It typically keeps to shadowy understory and midstory layers. Local density can be higher where Chusquea bamboo is present. It is generally absent from heavily degraded or open habitats.
Altitude Range
1000–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A large furnariid of cloud forests, the streak-breasted treehunter specializes in rummaging through dead leaves and mossy tangles for hidden arthropods. It often forages quietly in pairs or with mixed-species flocks, using its strong, slightly decurved bill to pry and probe. Like many ovenbirds, it excavates a tunnel nest in an earthen bank. Its presence is a good indicator of healthy, humid montane forest.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, sometimes accompanying mixed-species flocks while foraging. Pairs defend territories year-round and communicate with sharp calls. Nesting typically involves excavating a burrow in an earthen bank ending in a chamber lined with plant fibers; both sexes participate in nest activities.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A dry, accelerating series of harsh notes that can culminate in a rattling trill. Calls include sharp chips and rasping squeaks used in contact and alarm. The voice carries well through dense, wet forest.
Plumage
Dense, slightly shaggy plumage; upperparts rufous-brown with warmer wings and tail; underparts buff to brown with bold pale streaking across the breast and sides.
Diet
Feeds mainly on arthropods, including beetles, spiders, and larvae. It pries into dead leaf clusters, probes moss and epiphytes, and investigates bamboo culms and tangles. Occasionally takes small snails or other invertebrates. Foraging is methodical, using strong bill actions rather than sallying flights.
Preferred Environment
Dense understory and midstory of cloud forests, especially along ravines, shaded slopes, and bamboo thickets. Often concentrates where epiphytes and dead-leaf clumps are abundant. Forages from near ground level up to lower mid-canopy.
