Western slope of western Peruvian Andes in western La Libertad and Ancash (Cordillera Negra).
 
Population
Estimated population is 1,000 - 2,499 (2010) and decreasing.
Status EN
Habitat destruction and egradation through cattle-grazing and clearance for farm expansion is the main threat.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Habits
Usually in pairs.
Voice
Song consists of two identical, snarling notes 'quick-quick' lasting about one second, repeated every 1-2 seconds, faster when excited.
Russet-bellied Spinetail (Synallaxis zimmeri) [XC23254]
by Huw Lloyd from Sinsicap, La Libertad, Peru (trills)
Russet-bellied Spinetail (Synallaxis zimmeri) [XC158348]
by Fabrice Schmitt from San Damian, Ancash Region, Peru (call?)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Distinctive, with no obvious close relatives. Some authors have suggested that it merits placement in a separate genus. However, song and nest are similar to those of many congeners.