Phacellodomus erythrophthalmus
The Orange-eyed Thornbird (*Phacellodomus erythrophthalmus*) is a distinctive medium-sized passerine, averaging 16-18 cm in length and weighing 22-29 grams, found exclusively in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil. Its most striking feature, lending to its common name, is a pair of bright, fiery orange-red irises that contrast sharply with its otherwise rufous-brown plumage. Upperparts are warm brown, subtly streaked on the crown, while its underparts are paler, often buffy-brown. A re...
This species primarily inhabits the humid, dense understory of the Atlantic Forest and associated secondary growth, including forest edges and regenerating clearings, from lowlands up to approximately 1200 meters, though most commonly below 800 meters.
The diet of the Orange-eyed Thornbird consists primarily of insects and spiders, which it gleans methodically from foliage and branches.
Orange-eyed Thornbirds are diurnal, spending their days actively foraging within dense vegetation, often skulking and difficult to observe. They are typically found in monogamous pairs year-round, which maintain territories through vocalizations. Foraging involves gleaning insects and spiders fro...
The Orange-eyed Thornbird is endemic to the Atlantic Forest biome of southeastern Brazil. Its primary distribution extends from southern Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro states, south through São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina, and reaching into Rio Grande do Sul. This species is a year-round resid...
Least Concern
- The 'thornbird' name is directly inspired by their enormous, thorny stick nests, which can resemble a pile of debris but are highly structured avian homes. - These nests are among the largest built by passerine birds relative to their body size, sometimes reaching lengths of over a meter. - Nes...