The stripe-breasted spinetail is a passerine bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Colombia, Trinidad, Tobago, and Venezuela.
Region
Northern South America and Trinidad & Tobago
Typical Environment
Occurs from northern Colombia and much of northern Venezuela to the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. It favors tangles, second-growth woodland, scrubby forest edges, and gallery forest along rivers. The species is common in dry to moist lowlands and foothills, including semi-open country with dense understory. It tolerates disturbed habitats and plantation margins where thickets persist.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small ovenbird keeps its long, rufous tail cocked and flicking as it forages through dense thickets. It builds a bulky, domed stick nest with a side entrance, often placed low in scrubby vegetation. Pairs are territorial and commonly duet with fast, rattling songs. It adapts well to secondary growth and forest edges, which helps it remain widespread.
Temperament
skulking and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups within dense understory. Pairs maintain territories and communicate with duets. The nest is a bulky domed mass of sticks with a lateral entrance, placed in low shrubs or vines.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A fast, rattling series of notes that accelerates slightly, often given antiphonally by a pair. Calls include sharp chips and dry trills delivered from within cover.
