THORN-TAILED RAYADITO

Common name : Thorn-tailed rayadito 

Scientific name : Aphrastura spinicauda

Order : Passerines

Length : 5 inches

DESCRIPTION

Small bird, its length varies between 5 and 6 inches. The head is black with a yellowish superciliary from the base of the beak to the nape. The back is brownish, while the back is yellowish rufous, and the throat, white with whitish chest and abdomen. Its wings are blackish with a reddish base, a short and thin dark bill.

ENVIRONMENT AND NOURISHMENT

From the central zone of Chile to Tierra del Fuego and adjacent islands, it lives mainly in temperate forests. Curious and trusting, she approaches the human at a safe distance, from where she watches the visitors of the forest. It is difficult to photograph, as their movements are very fast, agile and erratic. Of gregarious habits, it can be found in groups of 5 or more individuals. Its diet consists of insects that it obtains from the foliage, lichens, branches and trunks, mainly undergrowth.

PROCREATION

Egg laying occurs between November and December. It nests in cracks in tree trunks or in gaps between trunk and bark. Line the insides of the nest with soft twigs or grass, creating a feather bed. She normally lays 3 white eggs, without drawings or shine; average size 18 x 14 mm.

CONSERVATION

According to the criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the species is in category: LC (Least Concern).