The bicolored wren is a species of bird in the family Troglodytidae. It is found in Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, and Brazil.
Region
Northern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from northern and eastern Colombia through much of Venezuela, the Guianas, and adjacent northern Brazil. It favors dry forests, thorn scrub, savanna edges, gallery forests, and semi-open ranchlands with scattered bushes and trees. The species also uses suburban gardens and agricultural mosaics. It tends to avoid dense, closed-canopy rainforest but exploits edges and clearings. Local presence is often tied to availability of shrub layers for foraging and nesting.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The bicolored wren is one of the largest wrens and is conspicuous for its stark contrast between dark upperparts and white underparts. It thrives in dry, open habitats and is frequently seen around human settlements and ranchlands. Pairs and family groups often stay together, maintaining large stick nests that may be reused for roosting. Its loud, ringing songs and duets carry far across the savanna.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups that defend territories year-round. Builds large, bulky stick nests that can be used for multiple nesting attempts and for communal roosting. Cooperative behaviors, such as group defense and assisting at the nest, are reported in this genus.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, ringing whistles and rich, musical phrases delivered in series; pairs may perform responsive duets. Also gives sharp scolds and chatters when alarmed, carrying well across open country.
Plumage
Strongly contrasting: dark brown to chocolate upperparts with pale edging and clean white underparts; tail often shows subtle barring. The head shows a bold white supercilium and darker crown and ear coverts, giving a masked look. Feathers are relatively coarse, typical of large wrens.
Diet
Primarily consumes insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage, bark, and the ground. It also takes small fruits and berries, especially in dry seasons. Occasionally captures small vertebrates or takes other opportunistic items. Foraging is methodical, probing crevices and turning leaf litter.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in thorny scrub, hedgerows, scattered trees, and along forest edges and fencerows in ranchlands. Readily uses human-modified habitats such as gardens and pastures where shrubs and low trees are available.
