- Aphrastura masafuerae
Identification
An overall brownish bird with paler markings on wings and paler supercilium. The tail is graduated and each feather has the naked tip (barbs missing) protrude as a "thorn".
Similar species
Masafuera Rayadito is slightly larger than but otherwise very similar to the nearest populations of Thorn-tailed Rayadito
Distribution
Only found on the southern portion of Alexander Selkirk Island which is part of Juan Fernández Islands, Chile. The total population is estimated to be between 68 and 429 individuals (95% confidence limits - might double to triple if the habitat as expected stretch through a larger area).
The species is threatened by habitat destruction and probably non-native mammals (rats, mice, cats).
Taxonomy
Habitat
High elevation forest and scrub, especially areas containing Canelo Drymis cenfertifolia.
Behaviour
Diet includes arthropods.
Nests are built in small natural crevices in rocks. They readily will use nest boxed placed in forest indicating holes in trees as a potential natural nest site. Eggs are white. Presence of family flocks of 5 indicates at least three eggs in a litter.
References
- Clements, JF. 2010. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to December 2010. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019. Spreadsheet available at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/Clements%206.5.xls/view
- Tomasevich et al. 2010. On the ecology and conservation of the critically endangered Masafuero Rayadito (Aphrastura masafuerae). Ornitologia Neotropical 21:535-543
- Birdforum thread discussing the taxonomy of this species
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Masafuera Rayadito. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 2 May 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Masafuera_Rayadito
