The uniform treehunter is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Colombia and Ecuador.
Region
Chocó–Andean region of Colombia and Ecuador
Typical Environment
Occupies humid evergreen forests on the Pacific slope and the western Andes of Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. Favors dense understory, vine tangles, and bamboo thickets, often along ravines and streams. It keeps to interior and edge of mature and secondary montane forests, where mossy trunks and epiphytes are abundant. Rarely ventures into open areas, staying under heavy canopy cover.
Altitude Range
400–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A skulking member of the ovenbird family, the uniform treehunter is most often detected by its harsh, rattling calls rather than seen. It forages methodically in dense, mossy undergrowth and bamboo, probing bark and dead leaf clusters for insects. Pairs may join mixed-species flocks but typically keep to shadowy forest interiors. Its plain, dark brown plumage is an adaptation to life in dim, humid forests.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs that maintain territories within dense forest. Occasionally joins mixed-species flocks moving through the understory. Nests are believed to be placed in cavities or burrows in earthen banks, with both members of a pair participating in nesting duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song and calls are harsh, accelerating rattles or series of grating notes, often delivered from concealed perches. It also gives sharp chacks when foraging and moving through cover.
Plumage
Mostly uniform dark brown to olive-brown with slight rufescent tones on the wings and tail; minimal streaking and a subtly paler throat.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and other arthropods, including beetles, spiders, and larvae. Gleans and probes from mossy trunks, vine tangles, dead leaf clusters, and epiphytes. Will pry into rotting wood and bark crevices to extract hidden prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shaded, humid understory and lower midstory, especially where bamboo, vines, and moss-covered substrates are common. Often works along ravines, streams, and dense thickets within mature or tall secondary forest.
