Boucard's Wren

The Boucard's wren, a charming avian species, is a modestly sized bird measuring approximately 17 cm in length and tipping the scales at a range of 23.8 to 29.8 grams. This bird is adorned with a rich chocolate crown, a reddish nape, and shoulders of a blackish hue, elegantly streaked with white. Its back is a tapestry of reddish-brown, interwoven with black and white spots, leading to a somewhat duller reddish rump. The tail is a muted gray-brown, barred with dark brown, and the outermost feathers are tipped with white. A dull white supercilium and a blackish eyestripe grace its visage, with the remainder of the face cast in dark gray. The chin and throat are a pristine unmarked white, while the underparts are white with black spots. The flanks are a buffy color, accented with darker bars. The female mirrors the male in plumage, albeit with slightly smaller spots on the underparts, while the juvenile's back markings are less distinct, its throat speckled, and its underparts a grayish hue with dull, diffuse spots.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify Boucard's wren, look for the distinctive chocolate crown and reddish nape, as well as the blackish shoulders with white streaks. The bird's underparts are white with conspicuous black spots, and the flanks show a buffy color with darker bars. The tail's gray-brown color with dark brown bars and white-tipped outer feathers is also a key feature to note.

Habitat

Boucard's wren is quite adaptable, making its home in dry to arid forests, often where giant cacti stand. It thrives in pine-oak woodlands, oak scrub, and subtropical scrub, showing a remarkable tolerance for habitat disturbance.

Distribution

This species is endemic to Mexico, with its presence confirmed in the south-central states of Puebla, Morelos, Guerrero, and Oaxaca. It is typically found at elevations ranging from 800 to 2,500 meters, though it can occasionally be spotted as low as 600 meters.

Behaviour

Boucard's wren is an active forager, searching for sustenance from the forest floor to the lofty heights of trees and cacti, though it rarely ventures onto the ground itself.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of Boucard's wren includes a series of grating notes that compose its song, as well as a harsh, rapid chatter. Both sexes are known to sing in unison, creating a harmonious duet.

Breeding

The breeding activities of Boucard's wren have been observed with nest building occurring in April. Nests with eggs have been discovered in Oaxaca from mid-June to early July. The nests are dome-shaped with a side entrance, and clutches typically consist of three to four eggs.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of Boucard's wren is a balanced mix of animal and vegetable matter, including insects and cactus seeds, reflecting its adaptability and resourcefulness.

Conservation status

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified Boucard's wren as Least Concern. The species boasts a population estimated to be at least 20,000 individuals and is believed to be stable, indicating a promising outlook for its continued survival.