The White-rumped Spinetail has a slender body with long wings and a long tail. The upperparts are typically brown or grey-brown, while the underparts are paler. The most distinctive feature is its white rump, which is easily visible in flight.
Behaviour :
They are usually found in pairs or small groups. Their social structure is relatively loose, and they can often be seen foraging together. They are known for their swift, agile flight, darting through their habitat in search of insects and other food sources.
Habitat :
The White-rumped Spinetail inhabits open grasslands, scrublands, and lightly wooded areas. They prefer regions with dense grass and low shrubs where they can easily find food and nesting sites.
Diet :
Their diet mainly consists of insects and other invertebrates, which they catch in flight or forage for on the ground.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
This species is found primarily in the tropical and subtropical regions of South America. It has a fragmented distribution and is typically found in various habitats across this range.
Population Size :
The exact population size is not well documented, but they are considered to be locally common in their habitats.
Life Span :
The lifespan of the White-rumped Spinetail in the wild is not precisely known
Body And Tarsus:
Body: The White-rumped Spinetail has a slender, streamlined body built for agile flight. It has a long tail and wings, which aid in its acrobatic maneuvers.
Tarsus Length: Approximately 20–24 mm.
Head And Bill :
Head: The head is relatively small and rounded, with a slight crest in some individuals. The coloration is generally brown or grey-brown.
Eyes: The eyes are dark and have a perceptive appearance, aiding in foraging.
Bill: The bill is short, conical, and slightly curved, adapted for catching insects.
Bill Length: Around 10–12 mm.
Length :
Approximately 15–18 cm.
Neck :
The neck is relatively short and blends seamlessly into the body.
Size :
Medium-sized for a passerine bird.
Tail Details :
Tail: The tail is long and pointed, aiding in maneuverability during flight.
Tail Length: About 8–10 cm.
Feathers: The feathers are soft and somewhat fluffy, with a combination of browns and greys, and the white rump is a distinctive feature.
Weight :
Typically weighs between 25–30 grams.
Wing :
The wings are long and pointed, suitable for quick, agile flight.
Wing Span :
Approximately 30–35 cm.
Facial Feature :
The facial features include a small head and dark eyes, contributing to its overall streamlined appearance. There may be subtle markings or patterns on the face, depending on individual coloration.
Nest Details :
Nest: The nest of the White-rumped Spinetail is typically a compact, cup-shaped structure.
Nest Made Up Of: Nests are constructed using various materials, including grasses, twigs, leaves, and feathers, providing insulation and security for the eggs and chicks.
Breeding Season :
Breeding generally occurs during the rainy season, typically between October and December.
Nesting Season :
The nesting period for the White-rumped Spinetail (Zoonavena sylvatica) generally coincides with the breeding season
Egg Color :
The eggs are usually pale or light-colored, often with speckling, making them blend in with the nesting material.
Egg Length :
The eggs are approximately 2.5 to 3 cm in length.
Egg Width and Weight :
Egg Width: The width of the eggs typically measures around 1.7 to 2 cm.
Egg Weight: The weight of the eggs is about 6 to 9 grams.
Clutch Size :
The typical clutch size ranges from 2 to 4 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Generally, the White-rumped Spinetail raises 1 to 2 broods per breeding season
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts around 14 to 16 days.
Nestling Period :
The nestling period is approximately 18 to 20 days.
Vocalization :
The White-rumped Spinetail produces a series of sharp, chirping calls, often described as a series of "tsit" or "tsi" sounds.
Sex Demorphism :
NA
Migration Details :
Migration Pattern: The White-rumped Spinetail is primarily a resident bird, but some populations may exhibit local movements or dispersal, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
Migration Period: Migration, if it occurs, generally happens during the wet season or at the onset of the breeding season, but specific patterns can vary depending on the region.
Migration Route: For populations that do migrate, the routes are typically short-distance, moving between breeding and wintering grounds within their native range in South America.
Reasons for Migration: Migration, when it occurs, is often driven by the availability of food, changes in habitat conditions, and the need for suitable breeding sites.