Rufous-tailed Thornbill

Leptasthenura setaria

The Rufous-tailed Thornbill is a small, active bird found in the Andes of South America. It has a distinctive rufous tail and a grayish-brown plumage with a white throat and a black bill. This species is known for its acrobatic foraging behavior, often seen hovering and probing flowers for nectar and insects. It prefers high-altitude montane forests and shrubby areas, where it can be found in small groups or pairs. The Rufous-tailed Thornbill plays an important role in pollination and is an indicator of the health of its habitat. Although not currently considered threatened, habitat loss and climate change could impact its future.

Habitat: Montane forests and shrubby areas