1) It all starts with the collection of raw materials. In addition to moist clay, taken from the ground, the bird, whose scientific name is furnarius rufus, uses manure mixed with straw. The house is built jointly by the male and female, who sometimes make hundreds of trips to transport the material.
two) Tree branches, poles and edges of houses are the favorite places for the john-de-ear to install its nest, which, in general, has a spherical shape and about 30 centimeters in diameter. To build the walls (5 centimeters thick), the couple kneads the clay balls with their beaks and feet.
3) An ingenuity of the nest is the division into two rooms. Access to the first is through the door, made to measure for the bird to enter without having to bend down. The innermost chamber, lined with feathers, fur and moss, serves to lay eggs and accommodate the chicks, which are safe from predators.
4) Another peculiarity of the house is the location of the entrance door, strategically positioned against the rain and wind. bad weather.
5) After about two weeks, the nest is ready and the female lays her eggs. Inexplicably, after so much effort, the couple only uses the cafofo for a year, during which time they have up to four litters. Then the duo abandons the home and starts building a new one! Go enjoy working…
FAME WITHOUT FOUNDATION
A popular legend says that the joão-de-arro would be extremely jealous and vindictive. If he suspects that he is being betrayed, he takes a radical attitude: he locks his companion in the nest, covering the door, and leaves the poor thing to die inside. This whole story, however, has not the slightest scientific basis. Which did not, of course, prevent it from becoming the theme of a famous country song, “João-de-Barro”, performed by the duo Tonico and Tinoco.