The wren-like rushbird is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.
Region
South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from coastal and inland wetlands of Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil through Paraguay and Bolivia to Peru and Chile. It inhabits dense stands of cattails, rushes, and totora around lakes, slow rivers, oxbow lagoons, and marshes, including brackish reedbeds near coasts. The species prefers thick emergent vegetation where it can move low and concealed. It is locally common where extensive reedbeds are intact and water levels are stable. Seasonal water fluctuations can prompt short-distance movements within wetland networks.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 4000 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small reed-dwelling furnariid, the wren-like rushbird lives almost entirely within dense marsh vegetation, where it skulks much like a true wren. It crafts a domed nest of grasses hidden among cattails and rushes, often with a side entrance. Its rapid, dry trills carry over wetlands at dawn and dusk. Despite its secretive nature, it is widespread and adapts to a variety of freshwater and brackish marshes.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over reeds
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, maintaining small territories within dense emergent vegetation. Builds a well-concealed, domed grass nest with a lateral entrance woven into reeds. Likely monogamous, with both sexes participating in nesting and care. Forages low, climbing and threading through stems rather than flying extensively.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of dry, rapid ticks accelerating into a rattling trill, often delivered from within cover. Calls are sharp chips and rattles that carry well across marshes, especially at dawn and dusk.
