The white-headed wren is a species of bird in the family Troglodytidae. It is found in Colombia and Panama.
Region
Chocó–Darién (Panama and western Colombia)
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid lowland and foothill forests on the Pacific slope from eastern Panama into northwestern Colombia. It favors tall primary forest as well as mature secondary growth and forest edges, especially where epiphytes are abundant. The species typically forages in the mid to upper canopy and along vine tangles. It is most frequently encountered in the Chocó biogeographic region, including Darién and adjacent Colombian departments.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-headed wren is a striking member of the wren family, with a bright white head contrasting against dark brown upperparts. It often travels in small, noisy family groups and is believed to practice cooperative breeding. This species forages high in the canopy, frequently probing bromeliads and other epiphytes for hidden prey. It builds large, domed stick nests placed high in trees or palms.
Canopy Camp - Darien, Panama
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups that move together through the canopy. Cooperative breeding is suspected, with helpers assisting at nests. Nests are bulky, domed structures of sticks placed high off the ground. Pairs maintain territories and may defend preferred feeding trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud and chatty, including rapid chattering, trills, and ringing whistles. Pairs often duet, overlapping phrases to produce a lively chorus that carries through the forest.
Plumage
Crisp white head and underparts contrasted with dark chocolate-brown upperparts and wings; tail often shows subtle dusky barring. Feathers appear smooth and sleek, with minimal streaking on the body.
Diet
Primarily insectivorous, taking beetles, ants, spiders, and other arthropods. It probes bark crevices, leaf clusters, and especially bromeliads and other epiphytes for concealed prey. Occasionally it may take small fruits or seeds, but animal prey dominates its diet.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid to upper canopy of humid forest and tall secondary growth. Frequently works along vine tangles, mossy branches, and epiphyte-laden limbs. Will also forage at forest edges where dense foliage provides cover and prey.
