Rufous Hornero

The Rufous Hornero, known scientifically as Furnarius rufus, is a medium-sized bird that is a member of the Furnariidae family. It is recognized as the national bird of Argentina and is also referred to as the Red Ovenbird. This species exhibits a square tail and a slightly decurved bill, with a plumage that is predominantly reddish-brown. The crown is a duller brown, while the throat is whitish. Both sexes share a similar appearance, and juveniles are marginally paler below, likely due to their cleaner state.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Rufous Hornero, look for its rufous-brown back and pale buffy brown underparts. The wings are pale brown, except for the flight feathers, which are blackish with cinnamon wingbars. The bill is slender, slightly decurved, and horn-colored. The tail is notably short. Males and females are similar in plumage, with males generally being larger.

Habitat

The Rufous Hornero is commonly found in savannas, second-growth scrub, pastures, and agricultural lands. It is synanthropic, thriving in areas modified by human activity, including city suburbs.

Distribution

This species is distributed across eastern South America, including midwestern, southeastern, and southern Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, northern and central Argentina, and extending as far south as northern Patagonia.

Behaviour

Rufous Horneros are ground foragers, walking as they search for insects and other arthropods. They are known to occasionally feed on scraps such as bread crumbs. The species is monogamous, often forming long-term pair bonds, and may stay together for life. They are also known for their unique nesting behavior, constructing large, thick clay "ovens" for their young.

Song & Calls

The Rufous Hornero's songs are sexually distinct. Males produce a rapid trill that is faster than the females' during their duets. Both sexes accompany their trills with wing beats at the same rate, allowing observers to distinguish the sex by the speed of the wing beats during singing.

Breeding

Breeding occurs in the austral summer, with egg-laying from August to December. The species typically lays two to four eggs, which are incubated for 14-18 days. Chicks are fed for 23-26 days before fledging and may remain in the parental territory for around six months. Both parents are involved in incubation and feeding.

Similar Species

The Rufous Hornero is most closely related to the Crested Hornero of Paraguay and Argentina, sharing similar behaviors and plumage patterns.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Rufous Hornero primarily consists of insects and other arthropods, which they obtain by foraging on the ground. They are also known to consume human-provided scraps on occasion.

Conservation Status

The Rufous Hornero is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. It has adapted well to human-altered environments and is not currently threatened by human activities. Its abandoned nests are often used by other bird species, contributing to local biodiversity.