The sepia-brown wren or Sharpe's wren is a species of bird in the family Troglodytidae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane forests of the Andes from southern Colombia through Ecuador into northern Peru. It favors dense understory, especially bamboo thickets, forest edges, and ravines within cloud forests. Birds keep low to mid-levels, moving methodically through mossy branches and leaf litter. The species tolerates selectively logged areas if understory remains intact, but is scarce in open or heavily degraded sites.
Altitude Range
1800–3300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as Sharpe's wren, the sepia-brown wren is a skulking Andean understory specialist that often travels in pairs or small family groups. It frequently forages in dense Chusquea bamboo and mossy tangles and may join mixed-species flocks. Its rich, fast series of whistles and trills carries surprisingly well through cloud forest. The species is generally considered common within suitable habitat and is not globally threatened.
Illustration by Keulemans, 1881
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small family groups, often keeping close contact in dense cover. Frequently joins mixed-species understory flocks. Nests are typically well concealed in thick vegetation, with a domed structure placed low above ground. Both parents participate in caring for young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A fast, musical series of clear whistles and trills, delivered in lively phrases. Calls include sharp chips used to maintain contact in dense foliage.
