Ruddy Spinetail (Synallaxis rutilans)

Identification & Behavior: ~14.5 cm (5.7 in). The Ruddy Spinetail has a chestnut-rufous head and most of the underparts. The crown, mantle, and wings are rufous brown. The tail is dusky. It has a distinctive black throat. The juvenile is a dull version of the adult with only a hint of black on the throat. It forages in the understory of the forest in Amazonia where it seems associated with the thick understory at treefall gaps. It is similar to the very local Chestnut-throated Spinetail but is distinguished by a more rufous plumage and a black throat.

Status: The Ruddy Spinetail is uncommon and widespread in Amazonia. It appears to be absent on the foothill of the Andes. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Cola-Espina Rojizo.

Sub-species: Ruddy Spinetail (Synallaxis rutilans caquetensis), Chapman, 1914.  SE Colombia (S from Meta and Vaupés), E Ecuador and NE Peru.
(Synallaxis rutilans amazonica), Hellmayr, 1907.  E Peru, W & C Brazil (S of R Amazon, E to R Tapajós) and N Bolivia (Pando, La Paz, N Beni).

Meaning of Name: Synallaxis: Gr. sunallaxeos, sunallaxis = exchange. rutilans: L. rutilus= auburn, red. rutilans, rutilantis= of a glowing reddish colour, reddening.

See more of the Family Furnariidae