Cranioleuca erythrops
The Red-faced Spinetail (Cranioleuca erythrops) is a striking member of the ovenbird family (Furnariidae), immediately recognizable by its vivid rufous face and crown, which contrasts sharply with its otherwise olive-brown upperparts and grayish underparts. This small passerine typically measures between 14-16 cm (5.5-6.3 in) in length and weighs a mere 13-16 grams (0.46-0.56 oz). Its most distinctive field mark is undoubtedly the bright reddish-orange coloration covering the lores, cheeks, a...
This spinetail inhabits humid montane and foothill forests, including cloud forests, as well as their borders and regenerating clearings. It typically occurs at elevations ranging from 600 to 2000 meters (2,000-6,500 ft).
Primarily insectivorous, consuming a variety of arthropods such as insects and spiders, which it actively gleans and probes from vegetation.
The Red-faced Spinetail is a diurnal and highly active arboreal insectivore, known for its restless foraging style. It constantly gleans arthropods from foliage, mosses, bromeliads, bark crevices, and dead leaves, often hanging upside down or performing acrobatic maneuvers. This species is almost...
The Red-faced Spinetail is resident across a relatively narrow but continuous range in Central and South America. Its distribution spans eastern Panama, extending southeastwards through the highlands of western Colombia, and along the entire Pacific slope of Ecuador. There are also populations fo...
Least Concern
- The Red-faced Spinetail's scientific name, 'erythrops,' directly translates from Greek to 'red-faced,' perfectly describing its most distinctive feature. - Unlike many spinetails that use their stiffened tail feathers as a prop, this species has a relatively softer, less spiny tail. - It is a c...