Slender-billed Xenops
NameSlender-billed Xenops
Common NameSlender-billed Xenops
Scientific NameXenops tenuirostris
FamilyFurnariidae
Wingspan (cm)15
Length (cm)10.5
Weight (g)9.5
Plumage DetailsThe Slender-billed Xenops has a dark brown crown with a prominent pale supercilium and a pale malar stripe. Its back is rufous-brown, contrasting with darker wings and a bright rufous tail. The underparts are whitish with heavy dark streaking, particularly on the breast and flanks.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations consist of a high-pitched, thin, rapid series of notes, often descending in pitch and described as 'tseet-tseet-tseet-tsee-tsee-tsee'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the Amazon basin of South America, its range includes parts of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, and the Guianas, inhabiting humid tropical and subtropical lowland forests.
Identifying FeaturesSlender, slightly upturned bill, Rufous back and tail, Streaked underparts, Pale supercilium and malar stripe, Small size
Description
This small, active forest bird is known for its distinctive slender, slightly upturned bill, which it uses to probe bark for insects. It typically forages on tree trunks and branches, often spiraling upwards. Its streaked plumage provides camouflage against tree bark.
