The flutist wren is a species of bird in the family Troglodytidae. It is restricted to humid highland forest in the Tepui region of northern Brazil, Guyana, and Venezuela.
Region
Guiana Shield Tepuis (northern Brazil, Guyana, and Venezuela)
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and cloud forests on tepui tablelands and adjacent slopes. It favors dense, moss-laden understory with abundant leaf litter, fallen logs, and vine tangles near streams. The species is patchily distributed, tracking suitable high-elevation forest islands across the Pantepui. It typically avoids open edges and lowland forests, remaining in mature interior habitats.
Altitude Range
800–2000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for its rich, flute-like song, the flutist wren is more often heard than seen as it skulks through mossy understory on tepui slopes. It is a specialized highland forest bird of the Pantepui region, making it sensitive to habitat changes. Despite its shy nature, males deliver far-carrying, melodious phrases that help define territories.
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the ground
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, maintaining territories in dense understory. Nests are placed low, often in banks, roots, or dense vegetation, constructed from moss and leaves. Pairs communicate with soft calls but rely heavily on the male’s far-carrying song for territory advertisement.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, sweet series of flute-like whistles delivered in measured phrases that carry through the forest. Phrases often rise and fall in pitch with a pure, ringing quality, especially at dawn and dusk.
Plumage
Overall warm brown to rufescent-brown with fine dusky barring on wings, flanks, and tail; underparts slightly paler with subtle mottling. Feathers appear soft and dense, aiding a sleek, compact look with a very short, often cocked tail.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods, including beetles, ants, spiders, and insect larvae. Forages by gleaning from leaf litter, probing mossy logs, and picking prey from low vegetation. Occasionally flips leaves and inspects crevices along roots and rocks.
Preferred Environment
Forages on or near the forest floor in shaded, wet, mossy understory, often along stream margins and among buttress roots. Avoids open areas, staying within dense cover.
