Cactus Canastero (Pseudasthenes cactorum)

Identification & Behavior: ~14.5 cm (5.7 in). The Cactus Canastero has brownish upperparts with pale superciliary. The bill is dusky and straight. The underparts are whitish-buff more saturated on the flanks. It has a variable orange chin patch that appears to be missing in some individuals. It forages in shrub and cactus mixed habitats on the west slope of the Andes. It is similar to the Canyon Canastero but is distinguished by an overall paler plumage, a dusky tail with feathers edged with rufous, and by favoring open habitats with shrubs and cactus. Also, see Creamy-breasted Canastero.

Status: Endemic. The Cactus Canastero is uncommon on the west slope of the Andes generally at elevations ranging between 800-2400 m. Some populations occur in “Lomas” habitats at elevations between 100-450 m.

Name in Spanish: Canastero de los Cactus.

Sub-species: Cactus Canastero (Pseudasthenes cactorum), Koepcke, 1959.

Meaning of Name: Pseudasthenes: Gr. pseudos= false and genus Asthenes, Reichenbach, 1853, canastero. cactorum: L. kaktos= spiny plant, cactorum= of the cacti.

See more of the Family Furnariidae