White-collared Foliage-gleaner (Anabacerthia lanuginosa) is a small passerine bird of the Furnariidae family. It is a native bird of South America that can be found in several countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. This species prefers to live in the humid forests of the Andes, at elevations ranging from 1200 to 3200 meters.
The White-collared Foliage-gleaner has a distinctive appearance with a long, pointed bill and an overall brownish-gray plumage. It has a striking white collar around its neck, which gives this bird its common name. The bird is about 14 cm (5.5 in) in length and weighs approximately 15-21 grams.
This bird is a skilled forager and is known to glean insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates from the foliage and bark of trees. Although it is a relatively secretive bird, it can be observed hopping along branches and tree trunks, and sometimes even descending head-first, in search of prey.
The White-collared Foliage-gleaner is a monogamous, territorial bird, and is known to breed between September and February. The female bird builds a cup-shaped nest made of dry leaves, grass, and bark, which is usually placed in a shrub or small tree. The female lays two eggs, and both parents take turns incubating them for around two weeks. The chicks are born altricial, which means that they are completely dependent on their parents for food and protection.
Sadly, the White-collared Foliage-gleaner's habitat is rapidly being destroyed due to deforestation and human activities. As a result, this species is considered to be near threatened and is included on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Conservation efforts are needed to protect this beautiful bird and its habitat to ensure that future generations can enjoy its presence in the wild.