Boucard's Wren

Overview

Boucard's Wren is a monotypic bird species endemic to Mexico. Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, it has an estimated population of at least 20,000 individuals that is currently believed to be stable.

Identification

• 17 cm long with a weight range of 23.8 to 29.8 g.
• Males feature a chocolate crown, reddish nape, and blackish shoulders with white streaks; the back is reddish-brown with black and white spots.
• Underparts are white with black spots, while flanks are buffy with darker bars; females have smaller underparts spots.
• Song consists of a series of grating notes or a harsh rapid chatter, with sexes singing in unison.

Habitat

Found in south-central Mexico (Puebla, Morelos, Guerrero, and Oaxaca), this species inhabits dry to arid forests, pine-oak woodland, and oak scrub. It is very tolerant of habitat disturbance and typically ranges from 800 to 2,500 m in elevation, though it can be found as low as 600 m.

Diet

The diet includes both animal and vegetable matter, such as insects and cactus seeds. It forages from ground level to the tops of trees and cacti but seldom on the ground itself.

Did you know?

Both males and females sing in unison, producing a harmonised display of grating notes and harsh chattering.