Cranioleuca semicinerea
The Grey-headed Spinetail (Cranioleuca semicinerea) is a diminutive yet dynamic member of the Furnariidae family, renowned for its distinctive grey head contrasting with a rufous body. Measuring approximately 14 cm (5.5 inches) in length and weighing 11-15 grams, its key identification marks include a pale grey crown, nape, and sides of the head, a conspicuous white supercilium, and a contrasting dark loral stripe. The upperparts and tail are a rich rufous-brown, while its underparts are crea...
Found primarily in humid subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, and occasionally in secondary growth or forest edges, typically at elevations up to 1,200 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of small arthropods, including insects and spiders, typically gleaned from vegetation.
This diurnal spinetail is highly active, spending its days foraging busily in the mid-story and understory of its forest habitat. It employs a gleaning foraging strategy, meticulously picking small arthropods from bark, twigs, and foliage, often exhibiting acrobatic moves such as hanging upside d...
The Grey-headed Spinetail is an endemic resident of eastern Brazil, with its distribution spanning several states. The nominate subspecies, *C. s. semicinerea*, is found in northeastern Brazil, specifically in the states of Pernambuco, Alagoas, Sergipe, and Bahia. Further south, *C. s. goeringi* ...
Least Concern
- The Grey-headed Spinetail belongs to the Furnariidae family, often called 'ovenbirds' due to the elaborate, enclosed, oven-like nests constructed by many species in the family, though *Cranioleuca* species sometimes use tree cavities. - It is known for its acrobatic foraging style, often seen h...