Furnarius figulus
The Band-tailed Hornero (Furnarius figulus) is a medium-sized passerine, typically measuring 17-18 cm (approximately 7 inches) in length and weighing between 40-50 grams. Its plumage is a warm brown across the back, with a distinctive rufous rump and tail that features a prominent blackish subterminal band, serving as a key field mark. The underparts are paler, with a whitish throat contrasting against a buffy breast and belly. Taxonomically, it belongs to the Furnariidae family, commonly kno...
Primarily inhabits humid lowland forests, forest edges, and riparian zones along rivers and streams, often extending into disturbed areas or plantations, generally found at elevations up to 800 meters.
Feeds primarily on invertebrates, including various insects (such as ants, beetles, and crickets) and their larvae, as well as spiders, which it gleans from the ground and low vegetation.
Band-tailed Horneros are diurnal, typically observed in pairs foraging actively on the ground or in low vegetation. Their foraging strategy involves gleaning invertebrates from leaf litter, bark, and exposed soil. They exhibit strong territoriality, with pairs maintaining year-round territories, ...
The Band-tailed Hornero exhibits a disjunct distribution across South America, primarily within Brazil, with one subspecies extending into adjacent countries. The nominate subspecies, *F. f. figulus*, is found in eastern Brazil, ranging from Maranhão and Ceará south to Espírito Santo, and west to...
Least Concern
- Unlike its famous relative, the Rufous Hornero, the Band-tailed Hornero builds a bulky, open-cup nest of sticks and grass, not an enclosed mud "oven" nest. - The "ovenbird" family name (Furnariidae) comes from the genus Furnarius, whose members are renowned for their intricate mud-built nests, ...