Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010).
Status NT
Habitat destruction and degradation due to accelerating deforestation is the main threat.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Dusky Spinetail (Synallaxis moesta) [XC30329]
by Huw Lloyd from Wildsumaco, 5km NW Guagua Sumaco, Napo, Ecuador (call)
Dusky Spinetail (Synallaxis moesta) [XC260640]
by Mitch Lysinger from Napo: Narupa, Ecuador (song)
Subspecies
Forms a superspecies with McConnell's Spinetail (Synallaxis macconnelli) and Cabanis's Spinetail (Synallaxis cabanisi), and all have often been treated as conspecific. Differs from both of those in tail structure. Subspecies brunneicaudalis was formerly treated as a separate species.
The following 3 subspecies are recognised:
moesta Sclater, 1856 - Foothills of eastern Andes in central Colombia (southern Casanare south to north-western Meta).
brunneicaudalis Sclater, PL, 1858 - Foothills of eastern Andes from extreme southern Colombia (south-eastern Nariño) south to north-eastern Peru (Amazonas, San Martín, possibly also western Loreto).