Ochraceous Wren

Overview

The ochraceous wren (Troglodytes ochraceus) is a small songbird belonging to the wren family. It is a resident breeding species found in Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia, and is currently assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• Measures 9.5 to 10 cm in length with a weight of 8 to 10 g.
• Possesses a rich medium brown crown and back, with the rump having a rufous cast.
• Features a bold yellowish buff supercilium extending to the nape, buffy brown upperparts on the chest, and buffy white lower breast.
• Song consists of a subdued medley of varied liquid trills and high, thin slurred whistles.

Habitat

Primarily inhabits wet epiphyte-laden montane forest, as well as semi-open areas such as woodland edges, tall second growth, and pastures with trees. It typically ranges in elevation between 900 and 2,450 m, though occasionally recorded between 600 m and 3,000 m.

Diet

The species forages mostly on mossy tree trunks and within epiphytes. Its diet consists of small invertebrates.

Did you know?

Nests are constructed within a mass of epiphytes and debris on hanging, partially detached branches, positioned 40 to 50 ft (12 to 15 m) above the ground.