Dusky Spinetail
Synallaxis moesta
Silhouette: Sheatherius · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderPasseriformes (Perching Birds)
- FamilyFurnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
- GenusSynallaxis (Synallaxis Spinetails)
- SpeciesSynallaxis moesta (Dusky Spinetail)
About the Dusky Spinetail
The dusky spinetail (Synallaxis moesta) is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The dusky spinetail has three subspecies, the nominate S. m. moesta (Sclater, PL, 1856), S. m. brunneicaudalis (Sclater, PL, 1858), and S. m. obscura (Chapman, 1914).
In the early twentieth century, subspecies S. m. brunneicaudalis was treated as a separate species but since then has had its present placement. Genetic data published in 2011 supported that the dusky spinetail, Cabanis's spinetail (S. cabanisi), and McConnell's spinetail (S. macconnelli) form a monophyletic group. However, data published in 2013 has evidence that the dusky spinetail might be more closely related to the rufous-capped spinetail (S. ruficapilla).
The dusky spinetail is 15.5 to 17 cm (6.1 to 6.7 in) long and weighs 20 to 25 g (0.71 to 0.88 oz). It is one of the darkest of the Synallaxis spinetails. The sexes have the same plumage. Adults of the nominate subspecies have a dark sooty-gray face. Their forcrown is blackish gray, their hindcrown dark chestnut, their back dark sooty brownish, and... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Dusky Spinetail in Podocarpus National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Podocarpus National Park
Rufous Spinetail
Synallaxis unirufa
Azara's Spinetail
Synallaxis azarae
Dark-breasted Spinetail
Synallaxis albigularis
Pearled Treerunner
Margarornis squamiger
Olivaceous Woodcreeper
Sittasomus griseicapillus
Ash-browed Spinetail
Cranioleuca curtata
Wedge-billed Woodcreeper
Glyphorynchus spirurus
Montane Foliage-gleaner
Anabacerthia striaticollis
Mouse-colored Thistletail
Schizoeaca griseomurina
Streaked Tuftedcheek
Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii
Streaked Xenops
Xenops rutilans
Black-billed Treehunter
Thripadectes melanorhynchus
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chingaza National Natural Park | 🇨🇴 Colombia | |
| 2 | Podocarpus National Park | 🇪🇨 Ecuador | |
| 3 | Yasuní National Park | 🇪🇨 Ecuador | |
| 4 | Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve | 🇪🇨 Ecuador |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Dusky Spinetail in Podocarpus National Park?
Under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Dusky Spinetail sighting in Podocarpus National Park, based on 6 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Dusky Spinetail in Podocarpus National Park?
July has the highest sighting rate for Dusky Spinetail in Podocarpus National Park in our monthly data.