The thorn-tailed rayadito is a species of bird in the family Furnariidae. It is found in temperate forests and subtropical dry shrubland south of 30°S. Some sources suggest it may formerly have occurred in the Falkland Islands. It remains the most common and best-known native bird in temperate forests of Zona Austral and Zona Sur in Chile, often occurring at densities of well over one individual per hectare.
Region
Southern South America (Chile and Argentina)
Typical Environment
Occurs from south-central Chile and adjacent Andean Argentina southward through the Valdivian and Magellanic temperate forests to Tierra del Fuego. It inhabits mature and secondary Nothofagus and mixed evergreen forests, as well as forest edges, shrublands, and wind-swept woodlands. The species readily uses riparian thickets, logged areas with remnant trees, and rural fence posts for nesting cavities. It is generally absent from treeless steppe but can occur in patches of shrubs and shelterbelts. In winter it may move locally into lower, more sheltered woods.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small furnariid, the thorn-tailed rayadito is famous for its long, spiny-tipped tail and constant, tit-like activity as it scours trunks and branches for insects. It is among the most familiar native birds of Chile’s temperate forests and is common from the Valdivian rainforests to Magellanic woodlands. Pairs nest in cavities, often lining deep chambers with moss and fibers; in some populations, helpers may assist at the nest. Historical reports suggest it may once have reached the Falkland Islands, though this remains unconfirmed.
Watercolour made by Georg Forster on the island of Tierra del Fuego in 1774 on James Cook's second voyage to the Pacific Ocean
Rayadito Portrait
Temperament
active and inquisitive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief undulating dashes between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, often joining mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season. Nests in natural or woodpecker-made cavities, fence posts, or nest boxes, building deep, well-lined nests. Both parents care for the young, and in some areas helpers may assist. Territorial during breeding but tolerant in winter flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a fast, bright series of high, thin notes and trills delivered in short bursts. Calls include sharp, high-pitched tsit and a rapid chatter contact call used while foraging in pairs or groups.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with subtle streaking, contrasting bold white supercilium and dark eye-stripe; throat whitish to buff with fine streaks, underparts buffy. Rump often rufous-toned; long, graduated tail with thorn-like, spiny tips. Wings brown with paler edging; sexes similar.
Diet
Primarily consumes arthropods such as insects and spiders, gleaned from bark, twigs, and foliage. It probes crevices and epiphytes and will sally short distances to pick prey. Occasionally takes small larvae and other invertebrates from dead wood and fence posts. Plant material is minimal or incidental.
Preferred Environment
Forages in forest interiors, along edges, and in dense understory, often from near the ground to mid-canopy. Frequently searches among mosses, lichens, and epiphytes on trunks and branches. Readily uses wooded riparian strips and shelterbelts in human-modified landscapes.
