Masafuera rayadito

The Masafuera rayadito is a rare and captivating bird found exclusively on Alejandro Selkirk Island, part of the Juan Fernández Islands. This exceptional bird belongs to the ovenbird family and is one of only two species in the rayadito genus.

These birds flourish in humid, mountainous scrub areas, typically at elevations between 800 and 1,300 meters above sea level. Their preferred habitats are rich with tree ferns and various types of ferns. Masafuera rayaditos primarily feed on arthropods and are often observed in pairs, assiduously foraging in the understory of forests and occasionally rummaging through leaf litter on the ground. For nesting, they select high-altitude locations above 1,200 meters, utilizing small natural crevices in rocks.

Regrettably, the Masafuera rayadito is critically endangered. In the 1980s, surveys estimated their population to be between 500 and 1,000 birds. However, by 1992, their numbers had plummeted to around 200, and by 2002, only 140 individuals were recorded. The primary threats to their survival include invasive species such as goats, which damage and degrade their habitat, as well as predation by rats and feral cats.

Conservation efforts are crucial to prevent the extinction of the Masafuera rayadito. Protecting their habitat and controlling invasive species are essential steps to ensure this unique bird continues to thrive on Alejandro Selkirk Island.