Habitat
Forest with an open understorey, with small saplings providing a shady canopy but little undergrowth, and numerous lianas providing perches between flycatching sallies. From sea-level - 900 m.
South-eastern Brazil (Paraná and Sío Paulo east to central Espírito Santo, south to north-eastern Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul) and adjacent eastern Paraguay (Canindeyú south to Paraguarí, Caazapá and Itapúa) and extreme north-eastern Argentina (Iguazú National Park, in northern Misiones).
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 2,500 - 9,999 (2010) and decreasing.
Status VU
Loss and degradation of Atlantic forest throughout its range, through forest clearing and selective logging is the main threat.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Voice
Distinctive song is a three second whistled trill rising in pitch, ended up with a sudden 'chíu'. Also a sharp 'fíu' call.
Russet-winged Spadebill (Platyrinchus leucoryphus) [XC17070]
by Glauco Kohler from Mbaracay\u00fa, Canindeyu, Paraguay (song)
Russet-winged Spadebill (Platyrinchus leucoryphus) [XC166056]
by Juha Honkala from Fazenda Bacury, Anhembi, S\u00e3o Paulo, Brazil (call, song)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Relationships within genus unclear, pending completion of major genetic study.
Similar Species
Eastern White-throated Spadebill (Platyrinchus mystaceus) is smaller, has a much shorter tail and the upperparts show less contrast. The face pattern is also more marked.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet