The grey-breasted wood wren is a species of bird in the family Troglodytidae. It is found from Mexico to Bolivia.
Region
Mesoamerica and Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Mexico through Central America and along the Andes from Colombia and Venezuela south to Bolivia. Prefers humid montane and cloud forests with dense understory, often near ravines and streams. It uses forest edges and second growth when understory is thick, and will forage in vine tangles and mossy thickets. The species is generally absent from lowland rainforests, being replaced there by related taxa.
Altitude Range
600–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This wren is a master of the dense montane understory, often heard long before it is seen. It shows striking geographic variation in song across its broad range, and neighboring pairs frequently duet. It readily responds to pishing and will approach curiously from thick cover. Its presence is a good indicator of intact cloud forest habitat.
Temperament
secretive and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through low, cluttered understory
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs that maintain and defend territories year-round. Pairs communicate frequently and may perform antiphonal duets. Nests are domed or ball-shaped with a side entrance, placed low in dense vegetation or banks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is loud, musical, and complex, a series of clear whistles and trills that carry through forest ravines. Calls include sharp chips and scolding chatters, and many populations have regionally distinctive song dialects.
Plumage
Compact wren with warm brown upperparts and a gray breast and belly, with fine dark barring on the flanks and tail. The throat is pale to whitish and the face shows a bold white supercilium. Tail is short and often cocked, showing narrow dark bars.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as insects and spiders gleaned from leaves, moss, and bark. It probes tangles, dead leaf clusters, and rotting logs, and will sally short distances to pick prey. Occasionally takes small fruits or seeds, but animal prey dominates.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense understory and vine tangles of humid montane forests, often near streams and shaded ravines. Frequently forages within a meter or two of the ground, moving methodically through thick cover.
