Great Spinetail
NameGreat Spinetail
Common NameGreat Spinetail
Scientific NameSynallaxis hypochondriaca
FamilyFurnariidae
Wingspan (cm)27.5
Length (cm)21
Weight (g)28.5
Plumage DetailsBrown upperparts, rufous crown, and a prominent white supercilium contrasting with a dark loral and malar stripe. Underparts are whitish with heavy dark streaking, especially on the breast and flanks. The tail is long, rufous-brown, and strongly graduated with pointed rectrices.
Vocalization / CallA rapid, chattering series of notes, often described as 'chick-chick-chick-chick' or a sharp, accelerating trill.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Marañón Valley of northern Peru.
Identifying Featureslong graduated tail, white supercilium, streaked underparts, rufous crown, dark malar stripe
Description
This medium-sized spinetail is characterized by its streaked underparts, prominent white supercilium, and long, graduated tail. It forages actively in dense, arid scrub and dry forest, often near cacti, searching for insects.
