The streak-fronted thornbird is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in dry intermontane valleys and foothills of southern Peru, Bolivia, and northwestern Argentina. Prefers arid to semi-arid scrub, riparian thickets with thorny shrubs, and open woodland edges with scattered trees and cacti. Frequently uses human-modified habitats such as hedgerows and field borders where dense shrubbery persists. It nests in shrubs or small trees, often near watercourses within otherwise dry landscapes.
Altitude Range
800–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This thornbird builds large, bulky nests of thorny sticks that can be used for breeding and roosting year‑round. It is typically found in dry intermontane valleys where it forages low in shrubs and small trees. Pairs often duet, producing harsh, rattling calls that carry across scrubby hillsides.
Temperament
active but somewhat secretive in dense shrubs
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats over brief distances
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups that remain on territory year-round. Both sexes participate in building the large stick nest and in caring for young. Pairs maintain and reuse nests for roosting outside the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include harsh, rattling trills and chatters, often given as antiphonal duets between mates. Calls carry well across scrubby slopes and riparian thickets, especially at dawn and late afternoon.
Plumage
Rufous-brown upperparts with a distinctly streaked forehead and crown, paler buffy underparts with faint streaking on the breast, and a long rufous tail. Wings are warm rufous with darker flight feathers; throat is pale to whitish.
Diet
Primarily consumes arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, spiders, and other small insects gleaned from foliage and branches. It probes into thorny shrubs and tangles and occasionally picks prey from the ground or bark. Small fruits or seeds may be taken opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Forages low to mid-level in dense thorny shrubs, riparian thickets, and open scrub with scattered trees. Often feeds along edges of fields, hedgerows, and dry ravines where cover is abundant.
