The black-bellied wren is a species of bird in the family Troglodytidae. It is found in Colombia, Costa Rica, and Panama.
Region
Central America and Northwestern South America
Typical Environment
Found from southeastern Costa Rica through much of Panama and into the Chocó and adjacent regions of northwestern Colombia. It inhabits humid lowland and foothill forests, dense second growth, forest edges, and overgrown streamside vegetation. The species keeps to tangled understory and vine thickets, often near water. It tolerates some disturbance where thick cover remains and may use older secondary woodland.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This shy wren favors dense thickets and vine tangles where it forages low and out of sight. Pairs often perform striking antiphonal duets, with male and female alternating notes so quickly it sounds like a single bird. It occurs from southeastern Costa Rica through Panama into northwestern Colombia. Habitat loss in lowland forests is the main threat, though the species remains fairly widespread.
Aligande area - Darien, Panama
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, stays low
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups holding territories year-round. Nests are typically domed or globular and placed low in dense vegetation. Pairs maintain close contact with soft calls and perform coordinated duets, especially during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, musical series of clear whistles and liquid notes, often delivered as rapid antiphonal duets between male and female. Calls include sharp chips and scolds when alarmed from dense cover.
