Long-billed Gnatwren Ramphocaenus melanurus

Brazilian name:
Bico-assovelado
Long-billed Gnatwren, Tamandaré, Pernambuco, Brazil, October 2008 - click for larger image Tamandaré, Pernambuco, Brazil
October 2008

The Long-billed Gnatwren is distributed from southern Mexico through Central America to Colombia, Ecuador and Peru and in the Amazon and Orinoco Basins with disjunct populations down the east coast of Brazil from Paraíba to Santa Catarina.
Long-billed Gnatwren, Tamandaré, Pernambuco, Brazil, October 2008 - click for larger image It is found in dense undergrowth and viny tangles in humid forest and secondary woodland where it feeds on insects and spiders. It is a very active little bird and uses its long bill to pick its prey off leaves and twigs.

There are about 15 sub-species which vary in colouration and the extent of white on the tail. The tail is often seen cocked or swinging about.
Long-billed Gnatwren, Tamandaré, Pernambuco, Brazil, October 2008 - click for larger image There are recordings on xeno-canto and additional information available via Avibase.

 

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