The fawn-breasted wren is a species of bird in the family Troglodytidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Region
Gran Chaco and Pantanal of south-central South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in northeastern Bolivia, adjacent western Brazil, and northern Paraguay. It favors gallery forests, river-edge thickets, and semi-deciduous woodland with dense understory. Frequently uses second-growth, vine tangles, bamboo patches, and scrub along watercourses. Often found at forest edges and in thorny Chacoan shrublands where cover is abundant.
Altitude Range
50–800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The fawn-breasted wren is a duet-singing wren of South America's lowland woodlands, often heard before it is seen. Pairs maintain territories year-round and communicate with coordinated antiphonal songs. It forages close to the ground in dense thickets, making brief, mouse-like dashes through cover.
Temperament
solitary and territorial in pairs
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights between cover
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs that defend small territories year-round. Pairs engage in antiphonal duets and remain close while foraging in dense understory. Nests are domed or globular structures placed low in thick vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, musical duets of clear whistles and chattering phrases, delivered alternately by the pair to sound like a single bird. Calls include sharp chips and scolding rattles when alarmed.
Plumage
Upperparts warm brown with fine dark barring on the tail and often the wings; underparts uniform fawn to buff, paler on the throat. Texture is sleek with a slightly shaggy appearance on the flanks. The back contrasts subtly with the richer buff underparts.
Diet
Primarily takes small insects, spiders, and other arthropods gleaned from leaves, twigs, and vine tangles. It probes bark crevices and dead leaf clusters and may sally a short distance to snatch prey. Occasionally consumes small berries or seeds when insects are scarce.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense understory, especially along forest edges, riparian thickets, and second-growth scrub. Often works within 0–2 m of the ground, using cover to remain concealed while foraging.
