Thripophaga cherriei
The Orinoco Softtail (Thripophaga cherriei) is a diminutive and somewhat understated member of the Furnariidae family, measuring a modest 13-14 cm (5.1-5.5 inches) and weighing around 14-16 grams. Its plumage is predominantly rufous-brown, darker on the upperparts and subtly paler below, with a distinctive rufous wash on its wings and a notably graduated, often 'soft'-looking tail - a key characteristic lending to its common name. Identification marks include a faint supercilium, subtle strea...
This neotropical specialist inhabits the dense understory and mid-story of humid, evergreen rainforests, typically found along rivers and streams in lowland terra firme forests, up to elevations of about 500 meters.
Its diet consists predominantly of arthropods, including insects and spiders, which it procures by gleaning from foliage and bark in the forest understory.
The Orinoco Softtail is diurnal and generally solitary or found in pairs, often observed actively foraging during daylight hours within the forest's lower to middle strata. Roosting habits are not well documented but are presumed to occur in dense foliage, offering concealment. Its primary foragi...
The Orinoco Softtail is an endemic resident of the northern Amazon basin, with a restricted distribution primarily encompassing southeastern Venezuela (specifically in Bolívar state), western Guyana, and parts of north-central Brazil. In Brazil, its range includes the states of Roraima, Amazonas,...
Least Concern
- The 'softtail' in its name refers to the somewhat fluffy, graduated appearance of its tail feathers, a subtle but distinguishing feature. - Despite belonging to the 'ovenbird' family (Furnariidae), known for their elaborate, often oven-shaped mud nests, the specific nesting habits of the Orinoc...