Furnariidae

Furnariidae is a diverse family of small to medium-sized passerine birds native to the Neotropics, commonly known as ovenbirds and woodcreepers. The family comprises more than 180 species in numerous genera, making it one of the most species-rich groups of Neotropical birds. Members show a wide range of forms and foraging strategies, from ground foragers to bark gleaners and wood-borers, and they vary in size, plumage, and bills.

Geographic range extends from southern Mexico to southern Argentina, with the greatest species richness in the Amazon basin and the Andean foothills. They inhabit a broad spectrum of habitats, including tropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, scrub, and savannas, often in association with trees and dead wood that provide feeding opportunities and nesting sites.

Ecology and behavior: Furnariids are primarily insectivorous, though some include fruits and other small invertebrates in their diet. Foraging methods are diverse, including gleaning from foliage and bark, probing crevices, and climbing trunks. Vocalizations tend to be relatively simple compared with those of oscine passerines.

Nest construction is highly varied. Ovenbirds of the genus Furnarius are notable for their mud nests, which can be dome-shaped with a single entrance. Many other furnariids build nests from sticks, grass, or leaf material, sometimes in cavities or termite galleries. Nest structure and placement are often distinctive at the genus or species level and play a key role in their ecology.

Taxonomy and conservation: Furnariidae is organized into several subfamilies and many genera, reflecting extensive ecological and morphological diversity. Conservation status varies by species; habitat loss and fragmentation threaten several endemics, particularly in montane and forested regions.