Scientific name: Furnarius torridus
Family: Furnariidae (ovenbirds)
Order: Passeriformes
Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
The bay hornero belongs to the genus Furnarius, a group of Neotropical birds commonly called horneros because of their distinctive oven‑shaped mud nests. The specific epithet torridus was assigned by French naturalist Alcide d'Orbigny in 1835. The common name “bay” refers to the bird’s overall brown‑ish (bay‑colored) plumage, distinguishing it from the more rufous‑toned hornero species.
Description
- Size: Approximately 18–20 cm (7.1–7.9 in) in length.
- Weight: 35–45 g.
- Plumage: Upperparts and tail are a uniform dark brown to chestnut‑brown, lacking the strong rufous coloration seen in the rufous hornero (F. rufus). The throat and underparts are paler, often a soft buff or pale brown. A subtle, narrow supercilium (eyebrow line) may be present.
- Bill: Straight, robust, and dark, adapted for digging and manipulating mud.
- Sexes: Morphologically similar; no pronounced sexual dimorphism.
Distribution and Habitat
The bay hornero inhabits parts of central and southern South America, with its range extending through:
- Countries: Brazil (particularly the Cerrado and southern Atlantic Forest regions), Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina.
- Habitat: Prefers open woodlands, savannas, edges of wetlands, and shrubby riparian zones. It is frequently associated with areas of low vegetation near water bodies where suitable mud for nest construction is available.
Behavior
Feeding
- Primarily an insectivore; forages on the ground and low vegetation, probing soil, leaf litter, and shallow water for arthropods, larvae, and small insects.
- Occasionally consumes seeds and fruit fragments, especially during periods of low insect activity.
Breeding
- Nest: Constructs a characteristic mud “oven” nest on tree branches, utility poles, or man‑made structures. The nest is a cylindrical chamber with a side entrance, resembling a clay oven.
- Clutch size: Usually 2–3 eggs, white with reddish or brown spotting.
- Incubation: Both parents share incubation duties for approximately 14–16 days.
- Fledging: Nestlings fledge after about 18–22 days, remaining dependent on parents for a short period thereafter.
Vocalizations
- Calls consist of a series of sharp, metallic “tink” notes and a repetitive, whistled “tsee-tsee” song, often delivered from a perch near the nest site.
Conservation
The species is currently classified as Least Concern due to its relatively wide distribution and adaptability to human‑altered landscapes. Local threats include habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and pesticide use, but populations remain stable overall. Monitoring programs in Brazil and Argentina track any potential declines.
References
- BirdLife International (2022). Furnarius torridus assessment. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022.
- Remsen, J. V., Jr. et al. (2023). “Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers).” In A Classification of the Bird Species of South America. American Ornithological Society.
- SACC (South American Classification Committee) (2021). Species account for Furnarius torridus.
Note: All information presented reflects current, peer‑reviewed ornithological literature and reputable conservation assessments.
