Spotted Wren

The Spotted Wren, known scientifically as Campylorhynchus gularis, is a charming bird endemic to the diverse landscapes of Mexico. This species, a member of the Troglodytidae family, is a small, robust bird measuring 17 cm in length and weighing between 28.3 to 31 grams. Both male and female adults boast a chestnut crown, rufescent brown shoulders, and a back adorned with subtle black and buffy markings. Their tail is a muted gray-brown, accented with darker bars. A distinctive white supercilium contrasts with a brown eyestripe, situated above the buffy white cheeks. The underparts are a soft off-white, with the chest and sides speckled with blackish spots, and the belly and lower flanks display a buffy hue with faint barring. Juveniles can be identified by their dull black crown, less pronounced back markings, and a pale buff chest devoid of the adult's distinctive spots.

Identification Tips

When observing the Spotted Wren, look for its white supercilium and brown eyestripe, which are key features for identification. The spotted pattern on the chest and the buffy lower flanks with faint barring are also indicative of this species. The juvenile's less vivid plumage and lack of chest spots can help differentiate it from adults.

Habitat

The Spotted Wren is quite adaptable, inhabiting a range of environments from dry oak and pine-oak woodlands to shrubby areas with cacti and rocky slopes dotted with palms. It thrives at elevations from 800 to 2,500 meters, occasionally venturing up to 3,000 meters in regions like Colima.

Distribution

This bird is found exclusively in Mexico, with its range divided into two distinct areas by unsuitable habitat. In the west, it spans from southeastern Sonora to western México state and western Morelos. To the east, it is found from southern Nuevo León and southwestern Tamaulipas to central San Luis Potosí and southward to Hidalgo.

Behaviour

The Spotted Wren is a sociable creature, often seen foraging in small groups. It is an active bird, searching for food on or near the ground and occasionally up to 15 meters high. It employs its probing skills on bark crevices, epiphytes, and among rocks to find invertebrates.

Song & calls

The song of the Spotted Wren is a unique composition of harsh churring notes and unmusical gurgling phrases. Its call is a distinctive gruff 'cheh-cheh-cheht', which can be heard echoing through its habitat.

Breeding

Details on the breeding habits of the Spotted Wren are scarce. However, it is known to construct a domed nest with a side entrance, characteristic of its genus. The clutch typically consists of two to four eggs.

Diet and Feeding

This wren's diet is diverse, including invertebrates found during its diligent foraging. It also consumes vegetable matter, such as cactus seeds, and has been observed preying on small lizards.

Conservation status

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the Spotted Wren as Least Concern. Its population varies across its range, being sparse and uncommon in some locales while thriving in others where the habitat is suitable.