Black-throated Wren

Overview

The black-throated wren, Pheugopedius atrogularis, is a species of bird in the family Troglodytidae. Although previously considered part of the sooty-headed wren, it was separated due to differences in plumage, song, and range.

Identification

• Adults have dark reddish brown crowns and upperparts that are redder on the rump, with blackish brown tails featuring faint buffy markings.
• The face is mostly black with white markings, the throat and upper chest are black, and the lower chest and belly are reddish chestnut.
• Males weigh 24.3 to 27.3 g and females weigh 22.5 g, with an overall length of 15 cm.
• The song is a distinctive series of rich whistles ending in a trill, while calls include a nasal 'praaaaht' and a guttural rolling 'beewr'.

Habitat

This species inhabits lowland and foothill forest, particularly second growth, and is often associated with water. Its range includes Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama, with recent observations expanding its presence to northern Nicaragua and eastern Honduras.

Diet

The black-throated wren forages near the ground in dense vegetation. Its diet is not extensively documented but appears to consist mainly of insects and spiders.

Did you know?

Although the species was long thought to range only from southeastern Nicaragua through eastern Costa Rica into western Panama, observations since 2010 have confirmed its presence in northern Nicaragua and eastern Honduras.