The Argentine National Bird--Oven Bird

Meet the Hornero Comun rufus hornero Furnarius rufus.

Photos: Gail Parker Salem-News.com

(PATAGONIA, Argentina) - The oven bird or hornero makes a little nest that for all the world looks like the oven in many Argentine yards. Round and made of mud, it is high in any part of the trees, often in eucalyptus.

The hornero takes a week to construct its nest. The oven bird is 215 mm in length, or slightly larger than a sparrow; golden brown on the back, buff breast, white throat, yellow eyebrows and grey legs.

Its beak is similar to a robin's; gray and slightly curved. It likes to live in the proximity of humans. It is a ground bird and has a particular walk; graceful and quick.

In repose, it often holds the lark pose so often seen in drawings, its head tilted back singing. It is very common in northern Argentina, but in recent years it has increased in Patagonia.

We sighted this bird many times, but I was finally able to catch a photo of it at the Welsh Tea House in Gaimon where the late Lady Di was known to sip a cup of tea.

The teahouse ladies dressed in 18th century Welsh costume didn't seem to mind that a trio of bird watchers gave more attention to los pajaros on their lawn than to the several altars to Lady Di that graced the foyer and dining room.

Watch for Gail's wonderful coverage of the birds of Patagonia in future stories and photojournals here on Salem-News.com.