The Mérida wren, or paramo wren, is a species of bird in the family Troglodytidae. It is endemic to Venezuela.
Region
Venezuelan Andes
Typical Environment
Found in high-elevation páramo and adjacent elfin-shrub zones of the Cordillera de Mérida. It favors dense tussock grasslands, frailejón (Espeletia) rosettes, and boggy meadows with scattered shrubs. Birds often work along ecotones at the edges of elfin forest and open moor. Outside the breeding season it remains in similar habitats, staying close to dense cover.
Altitude Range
2800–4200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the páramo wren, it is specialized for life in the windswept high Andes of western Venezuela. It keeps its tail cocked while skittering through bunchgrasses and frailejones, and its sharp, ringing song carries far across open moorland. Habitat burning and heavy grazing can affect local populations, but it persists where dense tussock cover remains.
Temperament
skulking and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over vegetation
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups, maintaining territories year-round. Nests are domed and tucked low in dense grasses or shrubs, with both sexes involved in nest defense. Courtship involves persistent singing and display flights from exposed perches such as frailejón stems.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, bright series of rapid trills and chatters that cut through wind across open páramo. Calls include sharp ticks and scolds when alarmed, with excited rattles during territorial encounters.
