Moustached Wren

Overview

The moustached wren, scientifically known as Pheugopedius genibarbis, is a bird species within the family Troglodytidae. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, being fairly common across its extensive range in South America.

Identification

• Measures 15.5 cm in length and weighs between 16.2 and 22.8 g.
• Features an olivaceous gray-brown crown, bright chestnut back, and white supercilium and eyering.
• Distinctive facial markings include a black stripe through the eye, a white moustachial stripe, and a black malar stripe.
• Both sexes sing a series of fast rollicking phrases and produce a whining 'jeeyr' call.

Habitat

Found throughout the central and southern Amazon Basin in Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru. It inhabits forest edges, including riverbanks, and favours dense stands of Bambusa bamboo. Elevations range from sea level to as high as 1,500 m in Bolivia.

Diet

This species forages low in vegetation and is often observed in pairs. Although its specific diet has not been formally documented, it is probably composed mostly or entirely of invertebrates.

Did you know?

Nests discovered in Peru's Manu National Park are domed or ball-like with a side entrance, and consistently contain four eggs. The female is assumed to be the sole incubator of the clutch.