Tit-spinetail

Tit-spinetails
Andean tit-spinetail, Leptasthenura andicola (Ecuador)
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Furnariidae
Genus: Leptasthenura
Reichenbach, 1853
Type species
Synallaxis aegithaloides
Plain-mantled tit-spinetail
Kittlitz, 1830
Species

See text

Tit-spinetails are small passerine birds of the genus Leptasthenura, belonging to the ovenbird family Furnariidae. They are found in South America, particularly the southern and Andean parts of the continent. They are somewhat similar to birds of the tit family in their shape and feeding behaviour, hence the first part of their name. The "spinetail" part of their name refers to their long, pointed tail feathers. Tit-spinetails have short rounded wings, short pointed bills and are mainly brown in colour. Their nests are built in holes or the old nests of other birds.