The most beloved and well-known bird in Argentina and its official representative. Uniform rufous-brown plumage above, paler on the belly and throat. The bill is long and slightly curved. The eyes are brown. The tail is short and reddish. It measures 18 to 20 cm. The nest is a globular structure of mud, straw and hardened plant fibers, with a side entrance shaped like a tunnel, resembling the silhouette of a clay oven. It builds it in trees, utility poles, eaves and any available structure.
Behaviour
Active all day, monogamous for life. The pair works together to build the nest and raise the chicks. It feeds on the ground on insects, earthworms and small invertebrates. Very territorial and vocal: it sings in duet with its mate in a very characteristic simultaneous, synchronized call. One of the few birds that sings in duet.
How and when to see it
Year round at absolutely every portal. The duet song is heard from dawn. Its nests are easy to locate in trees and on posts.
Where to see it in the Iberá
The gateways of the Great Iberá Park where rufous hornero has confirmed presence:
Tours to see it
Verified providers operating at the gateways where rufous hornero lives. You contact them directly on WhatsApp from the app.
- Esteros Ñe’é
Experiences with local storytelling and a cultural take on the marshes.★ 5.0 - Gaucho Argentino
Horseback journeys across a network of refuges in Iberá. Multi-day rides with overnight…★ 5.0 - Jurassic Plant - Night Tour
The only carnivorous-plant garden in Argentina and a pioneer in Latin America. A guided…★ 5.0 - Irupé Excursiones
Guided hiking. Guided visit to museums, historic sites, chapels and trails of the town…★ 5.0
Species profile
- Common nameRufous Hornero
- Scientific nameFurnarius rufus
- GroupBird
- StatusNative
Other species of the Iberá
Discover all the wildlife of the Iberá
More than 250 species with photos, profiles and the gateways where you can see them. Map, providers and trip planner. Free, no download needed.
Open Iberá Experience