The white-eyed foliage-gleaner is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Region
Atlantic Forest of eastern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern and southeastern Brazil south into eastern Paraguay and northeastern Argentina (e.g., Misiones). It inhabits humid evergreen and semi-deciduous Atlantic Forest, including mature forest, second growth, and dense bamboo thickets. Most activity is within the shaded understory and midstory, often near tangles and fallen leaf mats. It tolerates some disturbance but is most numerous in continuous forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This understory specialist of the Atlantic Forest is named for its striking pale iris that stands out against a rich brown face. It forages by rummaging through dead leaves and bamboo tangles, often joining mixed-species flocks. Like many ovenbirds, it typically nests in cavities or earthen banks lined with leaves. Habitat loss in the Atlantic Forest is its main long-term threat.
Temperament
secretive and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low through understory
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, frequently joins mixed-species flocks moving through the understory. Territorial pairs maintain year-round home ranges. Nests are typically placed in earthen banks or natural cavities, lined with dry leaves. Both parents participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of sharp, slightly accelerating notes that can descend into a rough trill. Calls include dry scolds and ticking notes given while foraging in dense cover.
Plumage
Overall warm brown to olive-brown with rich rufous wings and tail; underparts dusky brown with a slightly paler throat. Feathers appear soft and slightly loose, aiding its leaf-gleaning habits. The pale, whitish iris is highly conspicuous in the dark face.
Diet
Primarily arthropods such as beetles, spiders, cockroaches, and larvae gleaned from dead leaves, vine tangles, and bamboo. It probes and flicks aside curled leaves and leaf clusters to expose hidden prey. Occasionally captures small snails or other invertebrates and may sally a short distance for flushed insects. Sometimes attends army-ant swarms opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Dense understory, bamboo thickets, vine tangles, and fallen leaf accumulations within humid forest. Often forages 0–3 m above ground, using its tail for support while probing.
