The song wren is a species of bird in the family Troglodytidae. It is found in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.
Region
Central America and northwestern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from Honduras and Nicaragua through Costa Rica and Panama into western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. Prefers humid lowland and foothill rainforests with dense, shaded understory. Most frequently found in the interior of primary forest, along ravines, and near streams, occasionally entering mature secondary forest. It keeps close to the ground or low shrubs and rarely ventures into open edges.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This shy forest wren is famed for its rich, fluting, almost haunting song, often delivered in coordinated duets by a pair. It forages low in dense understory and frequently attends army-ant swarms to snatch insects flushed from the leaf litter. Despite its powerful voice, it is more often heard than seen.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct through understory
Social Behavior
Usually found as pairs or small family groups moving methodically through dense understory. Monogamous pairs maintain territories and keep close contact with soft calls. Nests are well hidden in dense vegetation close to the ground or on low banks, and the species is secretive around nesting sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a powerful, clear, fluting series of notes delivered in phrases; pairs often perform antiphonal duets that sound like a single bird. Calls include soft chips and whistles used to maintain contact in thick cover.
