
Plain Xenops
A species of Typical Xenops Scientific name : Xenops minutus Genus : Typical Xenops
Plain Xenops, A species of Typical Xenops
Botanical name: Xenops minutus
Genus: Typical Xenops
Content
Description General Info


Description

The plain xenops (Xenops minutus) is a passerine bird which breeds in moist lowland forests in the tropical New World from southern Mexico south to western Ecuador, northeastern Argentina and central Brazil. It is a member of the South American bird family Furnariidae, a group in which many species build elaborate clay nests, giving rise to the English name for the family of "ovenbirds". However, plain xenops simply places shredded plant fibres in a hole between 1.5 and 9 m high in a decaying tree trunk or branch. The normal clutch is two white eggs, incubated by both sexes. This species is a resident breeder in forest habitats. The plain xenops is typically 12 cm long, weighs 12 g, and has a stubby wedge-shaped bill. The head is light brown with a buff supercilium and whitish malar stripe. The upperparts are brown, becoming rufous on the tail and rump, and there is a buff bar on the darker brown wings. The underparts are unstreaked pale olive brown. The sexes are similar, but young birds have dark brown throats. The lack of streaking is an obvious distinction from other xenops especially streaked xenops. It is also the only lowland species in the genus. The plain xenops is often difficult to see as it forages for insects, including the larvae of wood-boring beetles, on bark, rotting stumps or bare twigs. It moves in all directions on the trunk like a treecreeper, but does not use its tail as a prop. It may be located by its sharp cheet call, or its song, a series of 5 or 6 trilled fit fit fit f’ f’f f’ notes. It regularly joins mixed-species feeding flocks.

Size
12 cm
Nest Placement
Cavity
Feeding Habits
Plain Xenops primarily consumes insects, including termites, ants, beetles, and spiders. It forages by probing into crevices with its upturned beak, often hanging upside down. Its slender, curved bill is adapted for extracting prey from tight spaces.
Habitat
Plain Xenops's preferred habitat encompasses tropical lowland forests, including both terra firme and varzéa ecosystems, and is also commonly found in tall secondary growth areas as well as semi-deciduous forests. This species is adapted to warm, humid conditions prevalent in broad tropical regions where these forest types occur. The bird does not typically inhabit urban areas, grasslands, or wetlands, favoring more stable and forested environments that provide ample foraging opportunities and nesting sites.
Dite type
Insectivorous


General Info

Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Species Status
Not globally threatened.

Scientific Classification

Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
Ovenbirds Genus
Typical Xenops Species
Plain Xenops