The streaked xenops is a passerine bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in the New World from Costa Rica and Trinidad south to Bolivia and Argentina.
Region
Central and South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Central America (Costa Rica and Panama) through northern and western South America, including Trinidad, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, much of Brazil, and into northern Argentina and Paraguay. Favors interior and edges of humid evergreen and semi-deciduous forests, as well as secondary growth and forest fragments. Regularly forages on mossy branches, lianas, and trunks, especially where dead or peeling wood is present. Often accompanies mixed flocks through the midstory and subcanopy.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The streaked xenops is a tiny, active furnariid that specializes in prying insects from bark and dead wood with its short, slightly upturned chisel-like bill. It often joins mixed-species flocks, moving methodically along branches and twigs. Pairs commonly excavate nest tunnels in decaying wood, an unusual habit among small passerines.
Temperament
active and methodical
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief undulating hops between branches
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, frequently joining mixed-species flocks that move through mid-levels of the forest. Pairs defend small territories and communicate with thin, high calls. Nests are typically excavated by the pair in soft, decaying wood or stumps, where they place a simple lining.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a brief, high, thin rattling trill or series of quick notes that rises or stays level. Calls include sharp, sibilant chips and short, tinkling sequences that carry through the understory without being loud.
Plumage
Warm brown to rufescent upperparts with fine pale streaking on the crown and back; underparts buff to cinnamon with distinct dark streaks. Wings and tail are rich rufous, contrasting with browner back. Feathers are compact and sleek, aiding its bark-gleaning lifestyle.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as insects, larvae, and spiders gleaned from bark, dead wood, and suspended branches. It probes into crevices, pries bark flakes, and pecks at soft, rotting wood to expose hidden prey. Occasionally snatches prey from leaf clusters and epiphytes.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in forest interior and edges, using midstory to subcanopy branches, vine tangles, and moss-laden limbs. Often forages alongside antwrens, foliage-gleaners, and tanagers in mixed flocks, moving steadily through favored foraging substrates.
