Whiskered Wren

Overview

The whiskered wren, Pheugopedius mystacalis, is a species of bird in the family Troglodytidae found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. It is currently assessed as being of Least Concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• Length of 16 cm with a weight of approximately 29 g.
• Nominate adult plumage includes a grayish-black crown, bright chestnut shoulders, back, and rump, and a reddish-brown tail with dull black bars.
• Facial markings feature a grayish-white supercilium, a black eye-line, blackish cheeks with a white line and black malar stripe below, and an off-white chin and throat.
• Vocalisations include duetting 'loud gurgling whistles' and a call described as a deep throaty 'bong bong'.

Habitat

Inhabits dense undergrowth such as that found at the edge of humid forest and in regrowing clearings, shunning the forest interior. It generally ranges in elevation between 1,200 and 2,400 m, though it can be found as high as 2,800 m and in Ecuador almost down to sea level.

Diet

Forages in pairs as high as 10 to 12 m above ground, but its specific diet has not been described.

Did you know?

Both sexes of the whiskered wren sing in duet, producing a splendid series of loud gurgling whistles.