In 1928, the newspaper La Razón, with the support of the Asociación Ornitológica del Plata, organized a survey in primary schools to choose the national bird. The rufous hornero (Furnarius Rufus), a small bird known for its nest that resembles an oven, was chosen as the emblematic bird of Argentina.
Rufous Hornero Characteristics
The rufous hornero measures between 16 and 23 cm and weighs around 54 g. Its wings are about 10 cm, allowing for limited and slow flight. With an earthy brown color, chestnut eyes, and a brown beak, the rufous hornero is difficult to differentiate between male and female due to its similar appearance.
Habitat and Nest Construction
The rufous hornero prefers open and clear environments, where it finds mud and water to build its nest. During the nesting season, its salivary glands hypertrophy to moisten the building materials and give them greater cohesion.
The nest can weigh between 4 and 5 kg and has a diameter of 20 to 25 cm, with an entrance of 5 to 10 cm.
Life Cycle and Distribution
From October, females lay up to four eggs, which are incubated by the male for 15 days. The chicks, when born, are defenseless and remain in the nest under the care of the parents.
The rufous hornero is endemic to the south of South America, covering Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Argentina, up to Chubut.
Relationship with Humans
The rufous hornero’s dependence on mud causes it to avoid arid areas, while its relationship with humans has allowed its distribution to advance with human expansion and irrigation systems.
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