The whiskered wren is a species of bird in the family Troglodytidae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Andean slopes of Colombia, northwestern Venezuela, and northern Ecuador, primarily in humid to semi-humid montane habitats. It inhabits forest edges, secondary growth, vine tangles, and shaded agricultural mosaics like coffee plantations. The species keeps close to dense understory and thickets, often near streams or ravines. It is generally non-migratory and occupies territories year-round.
Altitude Range
500–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This energetic wren is named for its bold white 'whiskers'—conspicuous superciliary and malar stripes that frame a dark face. It favors dense tangles and forest edges on Andean slopes, where pairs often deliver synchronized duets. Despite being shy and skulking, it is frequently detected by its loud, rich song. It adapts well to secondary growth and coffee plantations, aiding its stable status.
Temperament
skulking yet vocal
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups maintaining year-round territories. Pairs perform coordinated duets and may engage in antiphonal singing. Nests are typically domed structures placed low in dense vegetation or tangles. Both sexes participate in territory defense.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Rich, musical phrases delivered in a clear, ringing quality, often as male–female duets. Calls include sharp chips and rattles given from concealed perches within dense cover.
Plumage
Rufous-brown upperparts with fine barring on the wings and tail; underparts grayish to whitish with subtle flank barring. The face shows striking contrast with dark mask-like tones and crisp white facial stripes. Tail often held cocked, showing narrow dark bars.
Diet
Primarily consumes insects and other small arthropods such as spiders, beetles, and caterpillars. It occasionally takes small berries or seeds, especially when insect prey is less abundant. Foraging is methodical, probing and gleaning among leaf litter, vines, and bark crevices.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense understory of forest edges, secondary thickets, and overgrown hedgerows. Also uses shaded agroforestry systems like coffee plots with abundant vine tangles and shrubs.
