The sulphur-bearded reedhaunter or sulphur-throated spinetail is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay.
Region
Southern Cone of South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland wetlands of northeastern Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil (especially Rio Grande do Sul). Prefers extensive reedbeds and rushy marshes along slow-moving rivers, oxbow lakes, and floodplains. It keeps close to dense stands of Typha and similar emergent vegetation, typically near the water’s edge. Often found in mosaics of marsh, wet meadows, and backwater channels where cover is continuous.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 400 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A furnariid specialized for dense reedbeds, it threads through cattails and rushes with a constantly flicking tail. The bright yellow throat (“sulphur-beard”) is a key field mark against otherwise warm brown plumage. It is sensitive to wetland drainage and reedbed degradation, though it remains globally not at risk.
Temperament
skulking and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over reeds
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups maintaining tight territories within reedbeds. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation above water, with both sexes participating in construction and care. Pairs communicate frequently with contact calls to stay in touch within cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers a fast, dry series of trills and chatters that carry through reeds. Calls include sharp chips and rattles, often given in duet by paired birds.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with rufous wings and tail, pale buff underparts, and a conspicuous sulphur-yellow throat patch. Tail is graduated and spiny-tipped, often held cocked. A faint pale supercilium may be visible in good light.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods such as insects and their larvae, spiders, and other invertebrates gleaned from reed stems and leaf bases. It probes into sheaths and crevices and occasionally snatches prey from the water surface. Opportunistically takes tiny snails or other soft-bodied prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages within dense stands of Typha and rushes, typically 0.5–2 m above water. Most activity occurs along edges and channels where new growth and accumulated litter harbor abundant invertebrates.
