Boucard's wren is a species of bird in the family Troglodytidae. It is endemic to Mexico.
Region
Southwestern Mexico
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in the interior valleys and foothills of Oaxaca and adjacent Guerrero in semi-arid thorn scrub and cactus-dominated brush. It favors dry slopes, hedgerows, and second-growth with scattered acacia, agave, and columnar cacti. Birds are typically found from low foothills up into intermontane valleys, often near rural settlements and fields. It tolerates some habitat disturbance and can occupy mosaic agricultural landscapes.
Altitude Range
300–2000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Boucard's wren is a large, boldly patterned wren found only in southwestern Mexico. It often builds bulky domed stick nests in thorny shrubs or cacti and may reuse them for roosting. Pairs frequently duet, and family groups can remain together outside the breeding season. It thrives in dry scrub and agave landscapes where it forages close to the ground.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family parties, maintaining territories year-round. Builds large domed stick nests in thorny vegetation and may use old nests for roosting. Pair duetting is common, and adults may be accompanied by recently fledged young during the nonbreeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is loud and ringing, delivered as rich whistles and trills often in coordinated duets. Calls include sharp chips and scolding chatters when alarmed.
Plumage
Boldly patterned wren with a contrasting white supercilium, darker crown, and rufous-brown upperparts; wings and tail are barred. Underparts are whitish with heavy dark spotting and streaking on the breast and flanks. Tail shows strong black-and-white barring, especially obvious when flicked.
Diet
Primarily gleans insects and other arthropods such as beetles, ants, and spiders from low shrubs and ground litter. It supplements its diet with seasonal fruits and berries and may take cactus pulp or nectar from flowers. Foraging is methodical, with frequent tail flicks and probing into crevices.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in semi-open thorn scrub, agave stands, and cactus thickets, often along edges of fields and roadsides. It works through low vegetation, fallen branches, and brush piles where prey is abundant.
