Nava's wren is a species of bird in the family Troglodytidae. It is endemic to Mexico.
Region
Southern Mexico (Chiapas canyonlands)
Typical Environment
Occurs on limestone outcrops, canyon walls, and boulder-strewn slopes within tropical dry forest and scrub. Prefers rugged karst formations with abundant crevices and leaf litter. Typically stays close to rock piles and cliff bases, moving low to the ground. Localized populations are tied to intact dry forest within protected canyon systems.
Altitude Range
300–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Nava's wren is a limestone karst specialist found only in a small area of Chiapas, Mexico. It skulks among boulders and cliff crevices but is often detected by its loud, ringing song that carries across canyons. Conservation depends on safeguarding dry forest and canyon habitats in places like Cañón del Sumidero and Selva El Ocote.
Temperament
skulking and secretive but vocally conspicuous
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between rocks and low perches
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, maintaining territories among limestone outcrops. Nests are placed in rock crevices or cavities, where both parents participate in care. Outside breeding, it remains fairly sedentary within a small home range.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, ringing series of clear whistles and trills that carry far across canyon walls. Calls include sharp chips and scolding chatters when alarmed.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with a slightly grayer head and pale grayish underparts showing fine dusky barring on the belly and flanks. Short tail and a fairly stout, slightly decurved bill. Plumage is overall plain, aiding camouflage among rocks and leaf litter.
Diet
Primarily consumes arthropods such as beetles, ants, spiders, and caterpillars. Probes into rock crevices and turns leaf litter to glean hidden prey. Occasionally takes other small invertebrates encountered while foraging on the ground and among boulders.
Preferred Environment
Feeds low in the understory and on the ground amid limestone boulder fields, cliff bases, and rocky slopes in dry forest. Often forages in shaded crevices and at the edges of dense shrubs where leaf litter accumulates.
