Sclerurus

Sclerurus is a genus of birds in the ovenbird family (Furnariidae). These birds are commonly known as leaftossers or leafscrapers. They are found in humid forests of Central and South America.

Description:

Leaftossers are small to medium-sized passerines, typically with a cryptic brown or rufous plumage that provides excellent camouflage on the forest floor. They have strong legs and feet, adapted for hopping and scratching through leaf litter. Their bills are relatively straight and pointed, used for probing in the soil and under leaves for insects and other invertebrates. A characteristic feature is their behavior of tossing aside leaves and other debris in search of food, which gives them their common names.

Distribution and Habitat:

The Sclerurus genus is distributed throughout the Neotropics, from southern Mexico to northern Argentina. They inhabit a variety of forest types, including rainforests, cloud forests, and seasonally dry forests, typically at low to moderate elevations. They are primarily terrestrial birds, spending most of their time on or near the ground.

Behavior and Ecology:

Leaftossers are solitary birds that forage on the forest floor. They feed primarily on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. They typically nest in burrows dug into banks or earthen walls. The clutch size is usually two to three eggs. Both parents participate in incubating the eggs and caring for the young.

Species:

The genus Sclerurus currently comprises the following species:

• Gray-throated Leaftosser (Sclerurus albigularis)
• Short-billed Leaftosser (Sclerurus rufigularis)
• Black-billed Leaftosser (Sclerurus peruvianus)
• Tawny-throated Leaftosser (Sclerurus mexicanus)
• Rufous-breasted Leaftosser (Sclerurus scansor)
• Ochre-breasted Leaftosser (Sclerurus macconnelli)

Conservation Status:

The conservation status of Sclerurus species varies depending on the species and the specific threats they face. Some species are relatively common and widespread, while others are more localized and vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation. Deforestation, agricultural expansion, and mining are major threats to leaftosser populations in some areas.