The white-throated treerunner is a species of bird in the family Furnariidae. It is the only species in the genus Pygarrhichas. The white-throated treerunner is about 15 cm (5.9 in) long, with a stiff and rounded tail. The upperparts are dark brown, turning red on the lower back and tail and contrasting sharply with the throat and chest of a bright white. The rest of the underparts are coarsely mottled with white. The bill is long, slightly curved upwards. The general appearance is reminiscent of a nuthatch, although they are not directly related. Like the Sittidae, Furnariidae tirelessly scours the trunks and branches of old trees for the small arthropods that make up its food, spiraling up the trunks, or sometimes moving head down. The white-throated treerunner consumes small invertebrates found on bark and nests in tree cavities. Outside of the breeding season, it may form mixed-species foraging flocks with other bird species.
Region
Southern Andes and Patagonian temperate forests
Typical Environment
Occurs in temperate Nothofagus and Araucaria forests of central-southern Chile and adjacent Andean Argentina. Favors mature and old-growth stands with abundant dead wood, snags, and large-girth trees for foraging and nesting. Also uses forest edges, secondary growth, and parklands with large native trees. Found from sea level in the far south to montane forests in the north of its range. Often forages on trunks and large branches, moving in spirals or head-down along the bark.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This is the sole member of its genus and shows striking convergence with nuthatches and woodcreepers, creeping along trunks and branches in search of prey. It uses a stiff, rounded tail to brace against bark while climbing, and often spirals upward or moves headfirst downward. It nests in tree cavities, frequently in old or decaying wood, and outside the breeding season may join mixed-species flocks.
Plate of John Gould, who describes the species under the name of Dendrodramus leucosternus in 1839.
Adult white-throated treerunner.
The white-throated treerunner may feed in flocks with other bird species, such as thorn-tailed rayadito.
Lenga forest (Nothofagus pumilio) is a typical habitat of the white-throated treerunner.
Temperament
active and agile but unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief bounding flights between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs maintaining small territories. Nests in natural cavities or soft decaying wood, lining the chamber with plant fibers; both sexes contribute to nest duties. Outside the breeding season it often joins mixed-species foraging flocks with other forest passerines.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, thin series of quick squeaky notes that may accelerate into a short trill. Calls include sharp tsee or tik contact notes given while foraging.
