Rufous Hornero

Photo: monacoeye • Mostardas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil • November 2009

Bird name: Rufous Hornero
Latin: Furnarius torridus
Other: Red Ovenbird • João-de-barro (Br) • Hornero (Es), Alonsito
Family: Furnariidae • Horneros etc.

The Rufous Hornero was one of the most common birds in the area I visited near Lagoa do Peixe. The Rufous Hornero lives in southeastern South America, including the southern states of Brazil. It is the national bird of Argentina, where it is widespread.

The Rufous Hornero is named after the ovenlike mud nests it builds. Its Brazilian name means John-of-Mud, the Spanish name means Ovenbird.

Rufous Horneros change nest every year, either building a new nest or repairing an old one. Old nests are also often used by Saffron Finches.More photos...