The riverside wren is a species of bird in the family Troglodytidae. It is found in Costa Rica and Panama.
Region
Pacific slope of Costa Rica and western Panama
Typical Environment
Primarily along forested rivers, streams, and ravines in lowlands and foothills. It favors dense, tangled undergrowth, vine tangles, and second-growth thickets adjacent to water. Also occurs at forest edges and in gallery forest where cover is thick. Most frequently encountered below 600 m but ranges into foothills.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Riverside Wren is a striking, streamside specialist of the Pacific slope of Costa Rica and western Panama. It often travels in pairs or family groups, delivering loud antiphonal duets. Its bold face pattern and heavy black-and-white barring on the wings, tail, and flanks make it one of the most distinctive wrens in Central America.
In Costa Rica
Temperament
skulking and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups, keeping close to dense vegetation near water. Pairs maintain territories year-round and often perform coordinated duets. Nests are globular structures placed low in tangled vegetation near streams.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, ringing duets of whistles, trills, and chatter, delivered antiphonally by the pair. Calls include sharp scolds and rapid rattles when alarmed.
