The ochraceous wren is a small songbird of the wren family. It is a resident breeding species in Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia.
Region
Southern Central America and adjacent northern South America
Typical Environment
Found mainly in the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama, extending locally into northern Colombia. It favors mature, humid montane and cloud forests with abundant mosses and epiphytes. Birds also use forest edges and secondary growth where bromeliads persist. Territories are typically centered on steep, shaded ravines, ridgelines, and moss-laden oak forests.
Altitude Range
900–2800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The ochraceous wren is a small, highland wren that thrives in mossy cloud forests rich in bromeliads and epiphytes. It often forages in pairs or family groups and may join mixed-species flocks. Its bright, tinkling trills carry well in dense, wet forest. By gleaning insects from moss and bromeliads, it helps control arthropod populations in its habitat.
Near San Gerardo in Costa Rica, 20 March 2024.
Temperament
alert and somewhat secretive
Flight Pattern
short, low, rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups that maintain year-round territories. Frequently joins mixed-species flocks moving through the midstory. Nests are well-hidden, often placed in dense vegetation, moss, or among bromeliads, with both parents tending young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a bright, tinkling series of clear trills and short phrases delivered from low to mid canopy perches. Calls include sharp chips and scolding chatters when agitated. Vocalizations carry well through wet, dense forest.
