Spix's Spinetail

Synallaxis spixi

Least ConcernUncommonInvertebratesShrublandDomed nestTiny · 13 g

About the Spix's Spinetail

Spix's spinetail, previously known as the chicli spinetail, is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

Spix's spinetail is 16 to 17 cm (6.3 to 6.7 in) long and weighs about 12 to 15 g (0.42 to 0.53 oz). The sexes have the same plumage. Adults have a pale gray supercilium on an otherwise grayish brown face. Their crown is rufous and their back, rump and uppertail coverts dark brown. Their lesser wing coverts are rufous, their median and greater wing coverts dark brown with wide rufous edges, and their flight feathers dark brown. Their tail is dark brown; it is graduated and the central feathers have pointed tips. Voice: The song of Spix's spinetail has been described as "a five syllable phrase, last four notes with bubbling quality: sweet! bee bee bee bee . . . . . .sweet! bee bee bee bee . . . ." and a repeated "wee'tiddledidee....wee'tiddledidee". Another vocalization is a "4- or 5-noted 'wuh-wididit' ".

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where it lives

Regular range

When to see it

Peak activity in October · a resident species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Learn the Spix's Spinetail for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

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