The coraya wren is a species of bird in the family Troglodytidae, the wrens.
Region
Northern Amazon Basin and the Guianas
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland humid forests across northern Amazonia, including the Guianas and adjacent northern Brazil, and locally westward into the upper Amazon. It favors dense understory in terra firme and seasonally flooded (várzea) forests, river edges, bamboo thickets, and secondary growth. Most activity is within 0.5–3 m of the ground, where it remains well concealed. The species tolerates lightly disturbed habitats and forest edges as long as dense cover is available.
Altitude Range
0–900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy understory specialist, the coraya wren keeps its tail cocked as it creeps through dense tangles. Pairs often perform precise antiphonal duets, with male and female alternating notes so quickly it sounds like a single bird. It builds a domed nest low in vegetation, typically near water or dense thickets.
Subspecies P. c. amazonicus (in front), and P. c. griseipectus (behind); illustration by Keulemans, 1881
Temperament
skulking and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, usually low through dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups that defend year-round territories. Pairs are monogamous and coordinate movements while foraging. Nests are domed or purse-shaped with a side entrance, placed low in dense vegetation near cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, clear whistles delivered as tightly synchronized antiphonal duets between the pair, giving the impression of a single complex song. Calls include sharp chips and scolding chatters when alarmed.
Plumage
Rufous-brown upperparts with a contrasting dark face, clean white throat and supercilium, and buffy to cinnamon underparts. Tail and wings show fine dark barring. Feathers appear smooth and close-fitting, aiding a sleek, skulking profile.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods, including insects and spiders, gleaned from leaves, stems, and vine tangles. It probes crevices, flips dead leaves, and occasionally picks prey from the ground or low trunks. Foraging is deliberate but active, often accompanied by soft contact calls.
Preferred Environment
Dense understory and vine tangles along forest edges, riverbanks, and secondary growth where cover is abundant. Frequently forages within a few meters of the ground and near fallen logs or thickets.
