Habitat
Undergrowth of montane forests, along forest edges, in altered habitat and in shrubs in open habitats. From 2,000 - 3,000 m, occasionally down to 900 m.
Population
Estimated population is 2,500 - 9,999 (2010) and decreasing.
Status VU
Habitat destruction and degradation through illegal agricultural expansion, logging and burning is the main threat.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Habits
In pairs or family groups, which accompany mixed-species flocks.
Rusty-headed Spinetail (Synallaxis fuscorufa) [XC301168]
by Diego Calderon-F. from Cebolletas, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Ci\u00e9naga, Magdalena, Colombia (song)
Rusty-headed Spinetail (Synallaxis fuscorufa) [XC378985]
by id from Cuchilla de San Lorenzo, Laguna Sagrada, Magdalena, Colombia (song)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Forms a superspecies with Rufous Spinetail (Synallaxis unirufa) and Black-throated Spinetail (Synallaxis castanea) and all three have sometimes been considered conspecific, but substantial vocal differences documented and reciprocal playback trials reveal pronounced vocal discrimination.