Greater Thornbird
NameGreater Thornbird
Common NameGreater Thornbird
Scientific NamePhacellodomus ruber
FamilyFurnariidae
Wingspan (cm)28
Length (cm)20.5
Weight (g)35
Plumage DetailsFeatures a rufous-chestnut crown, rufous wings and a long, graduated rufous tail. The back is brownish, while the underparts are pale grayish-buff. It has a striking yellow eye with a dark iris.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a loud, chattering, and often descending series of notes, sometimes described as a rattling trill.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatswetland, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in central and eastern South America, including parts of Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina.
Identifying FeaturesRufous crown, Rufous wings and long tail, Pale grayish-buff underparts, Prominent yellow eye, Large, messy stick nests
Description
The Greater Thornbird is a large, long-tailed ovenbird known for its distinctive rufous crown, wings, and tail. It is often found in dense vegetation near water, where it forages for insects and builds large, messy stick nests.
