Junín Canastero

About the Junín Canastero

The Junin canastero (Asthenes virgata) is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is endemic to Peru. The Junin canastero is monotypic. It and the scribble-tailed canastero (A. maculicauda) have at times been suggested as subspecies of the many-striped canastero (A. flammulata). Genetic data show the three to be separate but closely related sister species. In central Peru the Junin canastero's range slightly overlaps that of the many-striped canastero, and hybrids of the two species are known from that zone.

The Junin canastero is about 17.5 to 18 cm (6.9 to 7.1 in) long; one specimens weighed 22 g (0.78 oz). The sexes have the same plumage. Adults have a narrow buff supercilium on an otherwise ochraceous brown face. Their crown is black with orange brown streaks. Their nape and upper back are black with pale buff streaks. Their lower back, rump, and uppertail coverts are medium brown or olive brown with black and buff streaks. Their wing coverts are olive brown with black and buff streaks. Their outer flight feathers are rufous with reddish brown edges and the inner ones dusky brown with... Wikipedia →