Furnarius cristatus
The Crested Hornero (Furnarius cristatus) is a distinctive medium-sized passerine bird, renowned for its prominent crest and intricate mud nest. Measuring approximately 18-20 cm (7-8 inches) in length and weighing between 45-55 grams (1.6-1.9 oz), it sports a striking rufous-brown coloration on its back and crown, contrasting with a pale supercilium and whitish throat. Its most defining feature is a well-developed, erectile crest, which is frequently raised, giving it a perpetually surprised ...
Found in arid and semi-arid scrublands, open woodlands, and the edges of Chaco forest, often near human habitation or disturbed areas. Typically occurs in lowland regions, but can be found up to 1000 meters in elevation.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects, their larvae, and other invertebrates such as spiders, gleaned from the ground. Occasionally consumes small vertebrates.
The Crested Hornero is a diurnal bird, spending much of its day actively foraging on the ground. It employs a terrestrial foraging strategy, walking deliberately and gleaning insects and other invertebrates from the soil surface and low vegetation, often probing with its strong bill. Monogamous p...
The Crested Hornero is endemic to South America, primarily inhabiting the vast Gran Chaco ecoregion. Its range extends across northern and central Argentina, western Paraguay, southeastern Bolivia, and into the southwestern part of Mato Grosso do Sul in Brazil. This species is a non-migratory res...
Least Concern
- The name 'Hornero' is Spanish for 'ovenbird,' a direct reference to its iconic, oven-shaped mud nests. - Its distinctive crest is erectile, meaning the bird can raise or lower it, often reflecting its mood or alertness. - The mud nests can weigh several kilograms and are incredibly resilient, p...