Necklaced Spinetail

The necklaced spinetail (Synallaxis stictothorax) is a species of ovenbird in the family Furnariidae. It is found in Ecuador and Peru. == Taxonomy and systematics == The necklaced spinetail has two subspecies, the nominate S. s. stictothorax (Sclater, PL, 1859) and S. s. maculata (Lawrence, 1872). What is now the Chinchipe spinetail (S. chinchipensis) was long considered a third subspecies. Several publications beginning in 2010 described the morphological, vocal, and phylogenetic differences between them. Based on that evidence, the South American Classification Committee of the American Ornithological Society and the International Ornithological Congress elevated it to species rank in January 2021. The Clements taxonomy followed suit in August 2021. == Description == The necklaced spinetail is 11 to 13 cm (4.3 to 5.1 in) long and weighs 10 to 14 g (0.35 to 0.49 oz). It is one of the smallest members of genus Synallaxis. The sexes have the same plumage. Adults of the nominate subspecies have a white supercilium on an otherwise blackish face with faint whitish streaks. Their forecrown has black and white streaks. The rest of their crown is dull grayish brown, their back slightly browner, their rump rufescent-brown, and their uppertail coverts bright rufous. The wing…