Band-tailed Hornero
The Band-tailed hornero (Furnarius figulus), also frequently referred to as the wing-banded hornero, is a distinctive bird species endemic to Brazil. A member of the Furnariidae family—commonly known as ovenbirds—this species is recognized for its specific plumage and its preference for the diverse landscapes of the South American region.
Unlike many of its relatives in the ovenbird family, the band-tailed hornero exhibits unique nesting habits and a distribution pattern that spans several Brazilian states, adapting to everything from riverbanks to urban gardens.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Scientific Name: Furnarius figulus
- Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
- Endemic To: Brazil
- Average Size: 15 to 16 cm in length
- Average Weight: Approximately 28 g
- Diet: Invertebrates, including insects, arthropods, and snails
Taxonomy and Physical Description
The band-tailed hornero is classified under the order Passeriformes and the subfamily Furnariinae. There are two recognized subspecies: the nominate F. f. figulus and F. f. pileatus.
Physical Characteristics
This small bird is characterized by a long, nearly straight bill and a weight of about 28 g. Both males and females share similar plumage. The nominate subspecies features a chestnut-rufous crown, back, and tail, with a wide white supercilium (the stripe of feathers above the eye). Its primaries are fuscous with two distinct dark rufous bands, giving the bird its common name.
The subspecies F. f. pileatus differs slightly, possessing a darker brown crown and ear coverts, as well as more black coloration on the tail compared to the nominate subspecies.
Distribution and Habitat
The two subspecies occupy widely separated ranges within Brazil. F. f. pileatus is primarily found along the Amazon River, extending from eastern Amazonas to central Pará, and south through the Araguaia and Tocantins rivers into Goiás and eastern Mato Grosso.
In contrast, F. f. figulus is located in eastern Brazil, ranging from Maranhão to the Atlantic coast and south into the states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Records indicate that this subspecies began expanding into Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo from Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo by the 1980s.
Preferred Environments
The band-tailed hornero thrives in semi-open to open landscapes. Common habitats include:
- Woodlands and scrublands in deforested areas
- Pastures and the edges of marshes
- Urban and suburban parks and gardens
These birds are typically found near water sources, particularly rivers. While they generally stay below 600 m (2,000 ft) in elevation, they have been recorded as high as 1,250 m (4,100 ft) in Minas Gerais.
Behavior and Ecology
The band-tailed hornero is a year-round resident of its habitat, meaning it does not migrate. Its daily activities are centered around foraging and maintaining its territory.
Diet and Foraging
Feeding primarily on invertebrates, the hornero hunts insects, other arthropods, and snails. They forage either alone or in pairs, walking on the ground and turning over twigs and leaves to find prey.
Breeding and Nesting
Believed to be monogamous, the band-tailed hornero has a breeding season that includes March and April. Interestingly, it does not build the mud "oven" nest typical of other horneros. Instead, it constructs an open cup made of grass and plant fibers, lined with hair and feathers. These nests are typically placed in bromeliads, at the base of palm leaves, or occasionally in building crevices.
A typical clutch consists of two eggs, with an incubation period of approximately 20 days.
Vocalizations
The species is known for its loud, staccato song consisting of 3 to 20 high notes ("djip-djip--") that descend in pitch and slow down. Pairs frequently engage in duets, and they utilize various calls such as "kwee-eh" and "chibit, chep" for communication.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies the band-tailed hornero as Least Concern. While the total population size is unknown, the species has a very large range and is currently expanding. There are no immediate threats identified, and the species is present in at least two protected areas.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Furnarius figulus |
| Range | Endemic to Brazil |
| Diet | Invertebrates (Insects, Snails) |
| Nest Type | Open cup (Grass/Fibers) |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| Max Elevation | 1,250 m (in Minas Gerais) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the band-tailed hornero build an oven-shaped nest?
No, unlike other members of the hornero group, the band-tailed hornero builds an open cup nest made of grass and plant fibers, though it has been observed visiting the oven nests of other species.
Where is the band-tailed hornero found?
It is endemic to Brazil, with one subspecies found along the Amazon River and the other located in eastern Brazil, extending from Maranhão down to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
What do band-tailed horneros eat?
They feed on a variety of invertebrates, including insects, snails, and other arthropods, which they find by foraging on the ground.
Is the band-tailed hornero an endangered species?
No, it is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its large range and expanding population, with no immediate threats identified.
How do the two subspecies differ?
The subspecies F. f. pileatus has a darker brown crown and ear coverts and more black on its tail compared to the nominate subspecies F. f. figulus.