Chattering Gnatwren

Overview

The chattering gnatwren (Ramphocaenus sticturus) is a species of bird in the family Polioptilidae. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the trilling gnatwren but is now recognised as a separate species following a 2018 molecular study.

Identification

• Upperparts are brown with a blackish tail.
• Features a buffy stripe over the eye and pale cinnamon cheeks that blend into yellowish buff on the sides of the neck.
• Undersides are buffy with a cinnamon tinge on the flanks.
• The obscurus subspecies is darker with an ochre tint to the sides of the head, breast, and flanks.

Habitat

This bird inhabits the undergrowth of moist terra firme forest, deciduous primary forest, and secondary forest. Its range includes northern Peru, the La Paz Department in Bolivia, and Mato Grosso state in west-central Brazil.

Diet

The species feeds on small arthropods, such as insects and spiders. It forages actively from near the ground to mid-level, either alone, as a pair, or as part of a mixed-species foraging flock.

Did you know?

Although it has been distinguished as a separate species since 2018, its specific vocalisations and breeding phenology remain undocumented in the available literature.