The tawny-faced gnatwren or half-collared gnatwren is a species of bird in the family Polioptilidae, the gnatcatchers. It is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Panama, and Peru.
Region
Central America to northwestern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern Nicaragua and Costa Rica through Panama into Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and northern Bolivia. Prefers mature and secondary humid forests with dense understory and vine tangles. It is most frequently found in thickets, along forest edges, and in shady ravines, often near streams. Typically keeps low to mid-levels in the understory, moving methodically through tangles.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny, elusive understory specialist of humid lowland and foothill forests, the tawny-faced gnatwren is noted for its warm tawny face and partial neck collar. It often forages in mixed-species flocks, flicking its long tail as it gleans insects from vine tangles. The species is more often heard than seen, giving thin, high-pitched trills. Habitat loss in some parts of its range can affect local populations.
Temperament
skulking and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the forest understory. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation; both sexes likely participate in parental care. Territorial calls are given softly from cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched trills and series of very fine notes, often insect-like and ventriloquial. Calls are soft and easily overlooked, typically delivered from dense vine tangles.
Plumage
Small, long-tailed gnatwren with olive-brown upperparts and grayish underparts, a paler throat, and a warm tawny face. Shows a partial pale collar on the sides of the neck bordered by darker lateral throat markings.
Diet
Primarily consumes small arthropods, including insects and spiders. Gleans prey from leaves, twigs, and vine tangles, and occasionally probes curled dead leaves. Often forages deliberately, flicking its tail while moving through low vegetation. Will frequently feed alongside other small insectivores in mixed flocks.
Preferred Environment
Dense understory and vine-choked thickets within humid lowland and foothill forests. Also uses forest edges and second growth where cover is dense.
