Anumbius annumbi
The Firewood-gatherer (Anumbius annumbi) is a distinctive and highly vocal member of the ovenbird family (Furnariidae), renowned for its massive, architectural stick nests. Measuring approximately 19-20 cm in length and weighing 30-40 grams, this medium-sized passerine exhibits an overall brownish plumage. Its upperparts are streaked with dark brown, contrasting with a pale supercilium and a dark malar stripe that accentuates its facial features. Rufous highlights are prominent on the wing-co...
Found in open or semi-open country, including grasslands, savannas, pastures, and agricultural fields with scattered trees and shrubs, typically at low elevations.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of insects (e.g., beetles, ants, grasshoppers, caterpillars) and spiders, foraging mainly by gleaning on the ground.
Firewood-gatherers are diurnal, active foragers, and highly vocal, particularly at dawn and dusk. They typically forage on the ground, gleaning invertebrates from leaf litter and soil, often making short runs and pauses. This species is monogamous and territorial, with pairs defending a consisten...
The Firewood-gatherer is a resident species found across a broad swathe of south-central South America, exhibiting no significant migratory movements. Its breeding and year-round range extends throughout much of Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina, particularly in the northern and central provinces....
Least Concern
- The Firewood-gatherer's nest can weigh over 100 kilograms (220 pounds) and contain thousands of sticks, twigs, and thorns. It's one of the largest nests built by any passerine bird. - The common name, 'Firewood-gatherer,' originates from the nest's resemblance to a piled stack of firewood. - Ne...