Microxenops milleri
The Rufous-tailed Xenops (Microxenops milleri) is a diminutive and distinctive member of the Furnariidae family, native to the humid forests of South America. Measuring approximately 10.5-11.5 cm in length and weighing a mere 8-10 grams, it is characterized by its dull olive-brown upperparts, striking rufous rump, and prominent rufous tail. A pale ochraceous supercilium contrasts subtly with its dark lore, aiding in identification, while its underside is a slightly paler olive-brown. Its shor...
Found primarily in humid evergreen forests, particularly those with abundant dead wood, tangled vines, and mossy tree trunks. It inhabits both lowland and submontane elevations, typically up to 1300-1400 meters.
Feeds predominantly on small arthropods, including beetles, beetle larvae, spiders, and ants. It primarily forages by gleaning, probing, and scaling bark and moss on decaying wood.
The Rufous-tailed Xenops is a diurnal and highly active arboreal insectivore, known for its agile and specialized foraging tactics. It meticulously scales and probes bark, moss, and decaying wood on tree trunks and branches, often hanging upside down or performing acrobatic maneuvers to reach cre...
The Rufous-tailed Xenops boasts a broad distribution across the Amazon Basin and the Guianan Shield, making it a resident species throughout its range with no known migrations. Its breeding and year-round territories span southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, and northern Bolivia....
Least Concern
- Its genus name, *Microxenops*, directly translates to 'small Xenops,' accurately reflecting its size compared to its closest relatives. - Despite belonging to the Furnariidae family, famous for elaborate mud nests, the Rufous-tailed Xenops is an exception, preferring to nest in natural tree cav...