Mazaria propinqua
The White-bellied Spinetail (Mazaria propinqua) is a small, active passerine bird endemic to the montane cloud forests of northwestern South America. Averaging 14-16 cm in length and weighing 16-22 grams, its most striking feature is its brilliant white belly, contrasting sharply with its otherwise rich rufous-brown upperparts and wings. A short, bristly crest often crowns its olive-brown head, and its tail feathers are notably stiff and pointed, a characteristic shared with its Furnariidae r...
Inhabits humid, epiphyte-laden montane cloud forests and forest edges, primarily between 1,200 and 2,500 meters elevation. It prefers dense understory and mid-story vegetation.
Feeds primarily on small arthropods, including insects (beetles, ants, larvae) and spiders, gleaned from bark crevices and dense foliage. Occasionally consumes minute berries or nectar from epiphytes.
The White-bellied Spinetail is a highly active, diurnal species, constantly on the move, often in pairs or as part of mixed-species foraging flocks. It employs an acrobatic foraging style, gleaning insects from moss-covered branches, epiphytes, and foliage, often hanging upside down or spiraling ...
The White-bellied Spinetail is primarily restricted to the humid montane cloud forests along the western slopes of the Andes, ranging from southern Colombia through Ecuador to northern Peru. Its breeding range largely coincides with its year-round distribution, as it is a non-migratory resident s...
Near Threatened
- The White-bellied Spinetail's stiff, pointed tail feathers are not for flight, but are thought to aid in bracing against tree trunks and branches while foraging, acting like a prop. - Despite its small size, its nest is a surprisingly bulky, enclosed structure made of woven twigs and moss, ofte...