Identification: Medium-sized spinetail, 17–18 cm, with orange-brown tones, a rufous crown finely streaked with white, short whitish eyebrow, gray iris, brown back and reddish-chestnut wings, throat and chest with white spots over a washed rufous-orange tone that continues toward the cinnamon belly, and a long tail with rufous edges. It differs from the Andean Spinetail (P. striaticeps) and the Rufous-fronted Spinetail (P. rufifrons) by its uniform chest, and also because the Andean species inhabits higher elevations while the Rufous-fronted occurs lower, in the Yungas–Chaco Serrano ecotone.
Geographical distribution: Andes from central Bolivia to northwestern Argentina. In Argentina it occurs in the provinces of Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán, Catamarca, and La Rioja, mainly associated with the ecotone between the Yungas montane forest and high-elevation grasslands on slopes and ravines between 1,000 and 3,000 m. Resident within its range, showing altitudinal movements depending on food availability, shifting to somewhat lower areas outside the breeding season.
Habitat: Ecotones of Yungas montane forest in areas with shrublands, forest edges, and semi-open habitats, including high-elevation grasslands and queñoa forests (Polylepis). Uses mid and lower strata, foraging in low vegetation or near the ground.
Behavior: Found alone or in pairs, feeding constantly in low vegetation and on the ground while inspecting branches, stems, and leaf litter. Restless and discreet, difficult to observe when moving within dense shrubs. Its voice is a series of ascending and descending high, somewhat monotonous notes, like “chi-chii-CHII-CHII-chi-chii-chiii,” repeated in sequences. Its song is more relaxed than that of the Andean Spinetail.
Diet: Mainly consumes arthropods, especially beetles and their larvae, which it obtains from the ground, low vegetation, and fine branches. Inspects crevices, dry twigs, and shrubs using active, exploratory movements.
Reproduction: Builds a bulky hanging nest made of thorny twigs, with a lateral or lower tunnel leading to two internal chambers lined with fine grasses. Usually placed 2–4 m high on exposed branches of trees or shrubs. Typical clutches consist of three white eggs.
Status: Species with no conservation concerns. Common in Argentina within its elevational range.
Authors of this compilation: Diego Carus and Maria Belén Dri – 06/12/2025