Thorn-tailed Rayadito
NameThorn-tailed Rayadito
Common NameThorn-tailed Rayadito
Scientific NameAphrastura spinicauda
FamilyFurnariidae
Wingspan (cm)16
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)11
Plumage DetailsThe Thorn-tailed Rayadito has brownish upperparts, a rufous rump, and a prominent rufous tail with stiff, pointed feather shafts. It features a distinct white supercilium above a dark eye-stripe, with a whitish throat and breast that transitions to buffy flanks. The wings show rufous and dark brown markings.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations typically consist of high-pitched, rapid trills or a series of sharp, repeated 'tseep' or 'tsee-tsee-tsee' notes.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to southern South America, found in the temperate forests of Chile and Argentina, particularly throughout Patagonia.
Identifying FeaturesStiff, spiny tail feathers, Prominent white supercilium (eyebrow stripe), Rufous rump and tail, Active foraging behavior, often clinging to bark
Description
This small, active passerine is characterized by its distinctive stiff, spiny tail feathers. It forages energetically in the understory and mid-story of temperate forests, often clinging to bark and branches while searching for insects.
