Synallaxis erythrothorax
The Rufous-breasted Spinetail (Synallaxis erythrothorax) is a small, energetic Neotropical passerine bird, instantly recognizable by its striking rufous breast and contrasting slate-gray head. Measuring approximately 14-16 cm (5.5-6.3 inches) in length and weighing 12-18 grams (0.4-0.6 ounces), its upperparts are a dull olive-brown, while its short, stiff tail is a rufous-chestnut. A distinctive field mark is the bright rufous throat and breast, which fades to a paler rufous or brownish-orang...
This species thrives in dense undergrowth of tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests, forest edges, secondary growth, and overgrown clearings, typically found from sea level up to 1200 meters elevation.
The Rufous-breasted Spinetail feeds almost exclusively on small insects and other invertebrates, which it gleans from foliage and bark within dense undergrowth.
The Rufous-breasted Spinetail is a highly active, diurnal bird that spends most of its time foraging stealthily within the dense, low-level vegetation of its habitat. It primarily gleans insects and other small arthropods from leaves, twigs, and bark, often working its way through thick tangles n...
The Rufous-breasted Spinetail is an endemic resident of the humid lowlands and foothills of Central America, extending from southern Mexico south through Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In Mexico, its range is concentrated in the states of Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. T...
Least Concern
- Its intricate, bulky stick nest features a unique long, tubular entrance, believed to deter predators by forcing them to navigate a narrow tunnel to reach the eggs or chicks. - Despite its striking rufous breast, it is notoriously difficult to observe due to its habit of skulking deep within de...