Rufous Hornero

Known for the distinctive dome-shaped mud nest it builds on fence posts, poles and tree branches, this common South American ovenbird forages on the ground in open pastures, parks and gardens, walking with a deliberate, upright gait while probing for insects. Its loud, ringing duet calls between paired birds are a familiar sound across much of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil, and are often the easiest way to locate it before spotting the bird itself. It is present and active year-round, with breeding activity concentrated in spring when nest-building is most visible.