Zapata Wren

Overview

The Zapata wren, Ferminia cerverai, is a medium-sized, greyish-brown bird endemic to Cuba and the sole member of its genus. It is currently classified as endangered by the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Measures approximately 16 centimetres in length with a long tail.
• Plumage is predominantly brown, striped with black, and features greyish underparts.
• Song is high-pitched and loud, resembling the house wren, described as a musical warble preceded by a guttural note in series of three or four phrases.

Habitat

Confined to the Zapata Peninsula of southern Cuba, this species inhabits freshwater marshes and lowland savannas characterised by scattered bushes and low trees. It resides within the dense shrubs of the Zapata Swamp.

Diet

The Zapata wren feeds on insects, spiders, small snails, lizards, and berries.

Did you know?

The species was named in honour of Fermín Zanón Cervera, a Spanish naturalist who remained in Cuba after the Spanish–American War and was instrumental in the bird's discovery.