The yellow-chinned spinetail is a passerine bird found in the tropical New World from Trinidad and Colombia south to Argentina and Uruguay. It is a member of the South American ovenbird family Furnariidae.
Region
Northern and central South America, including Trinidad
Typical Environment
Occurs from Trinidad and northern Colombia and Venezuela through the Guianas and much of Brazil, south into Bolivia, Paraguay, northern Argentina, and Uruguay. It inhabits freshwater and brackish marshes, river and lake margins, rice fields, and wet pastures with dense emergent vegetation. The species favors cattails, bulrushes, sedges, and other tall reeds, and often occupies human-altered wetlands. It is generally absent from dry uplands but may use mangrove edges and floating vegetation mats locally.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A member of the ovenbird family Furnariidae, the yellow-chinned spinetail is a specialist of marshes and reedy wetlands. Its stiff, spiny-tipped tail helps it maneuver through dense vegetation. It builds a bulky, domed stick nest over or near water, often in reeds or low shrubs. Its rapid, buzzy trills are a common sound in marshes across tropical South America.
C. c. marabinus, Colombia
Temperament
active and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over vegetation
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or family groups, moving methodically through reeds and shrubs. Pairs maintain territories in suitable marsh habitat and nest in bulky, domed structures of sticks placed over or near water. Both sexes participate in nest building and care for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A fast, buzzy trill often delivered from exposed perches in reeds, interspersed with sharp, scolding notes. Calls include harsh chatters and metallic ticking sounds.
