Flutist Wren

Overview

The flutist wren (Microcerculus ustulatus) is a species of bird in the family Troglodytidae, classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It is a small, forest-dwelling bird restricted to the highlands of northern South America.

Identification

• Approximately 11.5 cm (4.5 in) long and weighing around 22 g.
• Generally chocolate brown plumage with a reddish tinge on the lower back, rump, and chest; the chin is paler brown.
• Chest has a scaly appearance, with faint scalloping on the crown; juveniles display obscure dark barring on the underside.
• Song consists of a glissando that slowly slides up the scale after introductory notes, or a variant with clipped, dropping pitches.

Habitat

Inhabits dense humid subtropical montane forest, including the flat tops of tepuis, at elevations ranging from 860 to 2,100 m. Its range is restricted to the Tepui region, encompassing parts of northern Brazil, Guyana, and Venezuela.

Diet

The bird forages primarily on the forest floor and sometimes slightly above it. Its diet consists of arthropods, though no further specific details on its feeding habits have been published.

Did you know?

Despite its restricted range, the species is rather common, and much of its habitat is devoid of human inhabitants.