The only member of its family in northeastern Argentina. The male has a streaked brown back, a rufous crown, and a bright, very striking orange-red breast and belly. The female is entirely brown with streaks and a yellowish belly. The bill is short, stout and with slightly serrated edges like a small saw, adapted to cut leaves and shoots. It measures 18 to 20 cm. Its Spanish name ("branch-cutter") comes from its habit of cutting tender twigs.
Behaviour
Solitary or in pairs. It eats tender leaves, buds and flowers, making it one of the few folivorous birds of the region. The voice is a harsh, discordant screech. It inhabits low scrub, the espinal and shrubby grasslands, being most common in the arid west of its range.
How and when to see it
Year-round, though more visible in spring when the males are more active and feed on exposed shrubs. Portal San Nicolás and Mburucuyá.
Where to see it in the Iberá
The gateways of the Great Iberá Park where white-tipped plantcutter has confirmed presence:
Tours to see it
Verified providers operating at the gateways where white-tipped plantcutter lives. You contact them directly on WhatsApp from the app.
- Gaucho Argentino
Travesías a caballo por una red de refugios en el Iberá. Cabalgatas de varios días con…★ 5.0 - Irupé Excursiones
Senderismo guiado. Visita guiada a museos, lugares históricos, capillas y senderos del…★ 5.0 - Salvaje Iberá
Senderismo, cicloturismo, safari fotográfico, avistaje de fauna, paseos largos en el día…★ 5.0 - Excursiones Yetapá (Eduardo Alegre)
Excursiones por el Iberá con base en San Miguel, a cargo del guía habilitado Eduardo…★ 5.0
Species profile
- Common nameWhite-tipped Plantcutter
- Scientific namePhytotoma rutila
- GroupBird
- StatusNative
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