Rufous-backed Wren

The rufous-backed wren, a member of the Troglodytidae family, is a songbird that captivates with its striking plumage. Adults measure around 17 cm in length and tip the scales between 29 to 42 grams. They boast a black crown and eyestripe, which are elegantly offset by a white supercilium. Their nape is a warm rufous, while the upperparts are a blend of cinnamon to chestnut, adorned with black and white streaks, particularly noticeable on the rump. Wings and tail feature a barred pattern of black and greyish-white, and the underparts are a pristine white. Juveniles present with more subdued upperparts and buff underparts.

Identification Tips

To identify the rufous-backed wren, look for the distinctive black crown and eyestripe, separated by a white supercilium. The rufous nape and streaked upperparts with black and white, especially on the rump, are key characteristics. The barred wings and tail, along with the white underparts, are also indicative of this species.

Habitat

This wren favours dry forests, open woodlands, scrub, second growth, and savannas. It thrives mainly on the Pacific side of central mountain ranges, from sea level up to 800 meters in Costa Rica and up to 1,400 meters in El Salvador.

Distribution

The rufous-backed wren is a resident breeding bird found from southwest Mexico to northwestern Costa Rica. Its range is divided among six subspecies, each occupying distinct geographical areas within this region.

Behaviour

The rufous-backed wren is known for its active foraging in low vegetation, often in pairs or family groups. It has adapted to living near human settlements and may occasionally indulge in table scraps. When handling prey, these wrens exhibit a behaviour of thrashing it with their beak before consumption.

Song & Calls

The song of the rufous-backed wren is a delightful composition of melodic, pure-tone syllables with multiple frequency changes, forming phrases that vary slightly among subspecies. Their calls are equally diverse, with a wide range even within each subspecies.

Breeding

Breeding rufous-backed wrens construct spherical nests with a side entrance, lined with seed down, and placed 1.5 to 8 meters high in thorny trees or shrubs. They sometimes nest near wasps for protection against predators. The female incubates the eggs, which are white or greenish with brown or black spots, for about two weeks, and the fledglings leave the nest after a similar period. Families often roost together in dormitory nests post-breeding.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the rufous-backed wren primarily consists of insects and other invertebrates, which they actively seek out in low vegetation.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the rufous-backed wren as Least Concern. Although the population has not been quantified since the species was split, it is suspected to be stable with no significant declines or threats.