Ovenbird

Ovenbirds live in pairs throughout the year, and many stay with the same mate for life. Although rather wary by nature, the ovenbird has adapted to living near human populations and pairs of ovenbirds have become a familiar sight. They will build their nests on fence posts and under the eaves of houses when a suitable tree cannot be found. The ovenbird has drab and dull-colored feathers, or plumage, chestnut-brown back, head, and wings, and a pale cream-colored chest. The ovenbird is active by day. At night, it roosts in a tree. The ovenbird's feet are well adapted for grasping the slender twigs and grass it uses to build its nest. Each foot has four toes in the front and one in back. The bird walks slowly, often holding one foot up in the air between steps.

Most species of ovenbird sound similar. Their calls have been described as unmusical and harsh. Their calls are loud, but simple, and composed of buzzy notes of varying speeds that rise and fall in pitch. Pairs will sing in duets to defend territories and strengthen the pair-bond. Chicks use a begging call to solicit feeding by adults.

Very little is known about the breeding and nesting habits of the ovenbird, since it is difficult to examine its nest without destroying it in the process. Still, it is known that during the wet winter months, the male and female work together to build the nest, after selecting a suitable nest site, usually in a tree or on a fence post, they begin building their hollowed-out nest with clay, strengthening it with grass and plant fibers.

The ovenbird pecks at the ground in search for food in the same manner as many bird species. It tends to stay within the same small area when it forages. The ovenbird spends much of its day searching for the ground-dwelling insects, invertebrates, larvae and spiders that make up the largest proportion of its diet. During feeding, the bird hides among the scrub and grass.