Straight-billed Reedhaunter Limnoctites rectirostris Scientific name definitions

The Straight-billed Reedhaunter is a unique furnariid, notable for its distinct habitat preferences. Discovered by Darwin in 1833 in Maldonado, Uruguay, and subsequently described by Gould in 1839 (1 Gould, J. (1839). The Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle, Under the Command of Capt. Fitzroy, R. N., During the Years 1832 to 1836. Part III: Birds. Smith, Elder and Co., London, UK. Close ), it was once considered one of the rarest birds in the Neotropics. While not considered rare today, its distribution remains primarily restricted to the Pampas region, encompassing the south and northeast of Uruguay, southern Brazil, and eastern Argentina. One of its defining characteristics is the preference for eryngo wetlands, a unique habitat locally known as "caraguatal" or "gravatazal," predominantly dominated by one plant species: eryngo (Eryngium pandanifolium). These freshwater microhabitats typically occur as small patches in humid soil, surrounded by grassland matrix.

While its pale underparts, brownish upperparts, and white eyebrow are not unusual among furnariids, the distinctive long, straight bill and sharply pointed tail feathers set it apart from related species. Difficult to observe, this species generally remains hidden among the vegetation. It is primarily detected by its vocalizations, which occur spontaneously for only brief periods. Occasionally, it can be seen moving through the vegetation in search of arthropods or making short flights in the eryngo wetlands.

Currently, it is considered Near Threatened globally. However, due to its low reproductive success and the ongoing pressures threatening its populations, mainly habitat loss due to intentional fires and habitat modification for agriculture, it may be appropriate to categorize it as Vulnerable, at least in certain regions.