The collared gnatwren is a species of bird in the family Polioptilidae, the gnatcatchers. It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Region
Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across lowland evergreen rainforest in northern South America, including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, and the Guianas. It favors dense understory and vine tangles, especially along forest edges, streams, and in secondary growth. The species is primarily a resident of intact and lightly disturbed forests but can persist in well-structured secondary habitats. It often associates with mixed-species flocks moving through the lower strata. Local densities are highest where understory complexity is great.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The collared gnatwren is a tiny, active understory insect-hunter that often joins mixed-species flocks in Amazonian forests. It forages close to the ground in vine tangles and dense thickets, flicking its tail and wings as it gleans minute prey. Pairs frequently keep in contact with soft, high-pitched calls and may duet.
Temperament
shy and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups within the forest understory. Frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks, keeping to dense tangles and moving methodically while gleaning. Nests are placed low in shrubs or vines, and pairs maintain contact with soft calls.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of thin, high-pitched trills and short, rapid series of notes. Calls are sharp, sibilant chips used for contact within pairs and when moving with mixed flocks.
Plumage
Small, slim gnatwren with warm brown to olive-brown upperparts and a clean whitish throat and underparts contrasted by a dark, narrow breast band forming a collar. Flanks show buff to rufous wash; wings and tail are dusky with rufous edging. The texture appears sleek and smooth, with minimal patterning beyond the distinct collar.
Diet
Feeds primarily on tiny arthropods such as small insects, spiders, and their eggs. It methodically gleans prey from leaves, twigs, and tangled vines, often hanging or hovering briefly to reach the undersides of foliage. Occasionally it snatches flushed prey during short sallies but mostly remains in close cover. Foraging is continuous and deliberate, reflecting its high metabolism.
Preferred Environment
Dense understory of mature rainforest, vine tangles, bamboo patches, and edges along streams or clearings. Commonly forages a meter or two above the ground where cover is thickest, and often follows mixed flocks to exploit disturbed prey.
