The tawny-throated leaftosser is a tropical American bird species in subfamily Sclerurinae, the leaftossers and miners, of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is also known as the Middle American leaftosser and less frequently as tawny-throated leafscraper, Mexican leaftosser or Mexican leafscraper. It is found from Mexico to Panama.
Region
Southern Mexico to Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern Mexico through Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and western Panama. Prefers humid evergreen and cloud forests, often along ravines, steep slopes, and stream corridors with deep leaf litter. Occupies old-growth and mature secondary forest, but is most numerous in intact interiors. Typically keeps to the shaded forest floor and lower understory, rarely venturing into open areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A secretive ground-dwelling ovenbird, it forages by vigorously flipping leaf litter with its bill—hence the name “leaftosser.” It is highly tied to shaded, undisturbed forest interiors and can be sensitive to fragmentation. Several subspecies are recognized across its range from southern Mexico to Panama.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the ground
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, keeping close to the forest floor. Nests are placed in burrows or cavities in earthen banks or steep slopes, lined with leaves. Territorial singing males often deliver songs from concealed perches or low branches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, whistled notes, often accelerating or slightly descending. Calls include sharp chips and thin whistles, delivered from dense cover, especially at dawn.
