Niceforo's wren is a species of bird in the family Troglodytidae. It is endemic to Colombia.
Region
Eastern Andes, Colombia
Typical Environment
Occurs in arid to semi-arid tropical dry forest, thorn scrub, and brushy canyon slopes with scattered cacti and acacias. Prefers dense, low vegetation along rocky slopes, ravines, and river margins. Often uses second-growth thickets and hedgerows where native scrub persists. It avoids closed, humid forest and highly urbanized areas. Persistence depends on patches of intact thorny scrub and riparian thickets.
Altitude Range
500–1500 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Niceforo's wren is restricted to Colombia’s dry inter-Andean canyons, especially around the Chicamocha River. It forms strong pair bonds and is known for loud, coordinated duets between mates. Habitat loss from agriculture and infrastructure has severely reduced its range, making it one of Colombia’s most threatened wrens.
Temperament
secretive but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct
Social Behavior
Typically found in territorial pairs or small family groups. Monogamous, with pairs maintaining territories year-round. Nests are usually placed low in dense thorny shrubs or cacti, constructed as domed or globular structures with side entrances.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, musical series of whistles and trills, often delivered antiphonally by a pair. Duets are brisk and well-coordinated, carrying far across canyon slopes.
