Eastern Brazil (north-eastern Piauí, western Pernambuco, northern Bahia, extreme northern Minas Gerais).
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010) and decreasing.
Status LC
Habitat destruction and degradation due to conversion to agriculture, intensive grazing and burning, and exploitation of woody caatinga for charcoal, is the main threat.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Voice
A loud churring, which becomes stuttering and fades in volume. Also a fast disyllabic, continually repeated and nasal 'kí-tre'.
Red-shouldered Spinetail (Synallaxis hellmayri) [XC659150]
by GABRIEL LEITE from Itua\u00e7u, Bahia, Brazil (song)
Red-shouldered Spinetail (Synallaxis hellmayri) [XC712478]
by Guilherme Melo from Chapada do Araripe. National Forest above Crato, Brazil (call)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Previously named Synallaxis griseiventris, but that name invalid. Included in Synallaxis by many authors, and thought by others to be possibly more closely related to Cinereous-breasted Spinetail (Synallaxis hypospodia) than either is to others of that genus, the two having similarities in voice, rectrix shape and plumage. However, differs morphologically from that genus in having 12 rectrices, thicker tarsus and toes, different bill shape. Was at one time placed in Asthenes, and described by some authors as resembling members of that genus. Considered better retained in monotypic genus until relationships resolved.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet