Sumichrast's Wren

The Sumichrast's wren, also known as the slender-billed wren, is a modestly sized bird, measuring between 15 to 16.5 cm in length. The adult of the species sports a deep brown plumage on its crown, nape, and back, with a sooty brown rump. Its underparts are a warm buff, which deepens from the chin and throat through the breast to the flanks and belly. The breast is adorned with faint dark bars, and the belly is speckled with tiny white dots. Juveniles resemble adults but have a slightly dirtier throat appearance with faint dusky scales, darker underparts, and more subdued breast and belly markings.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify Sumichrast's wren, look for its uniform deep brown upperparts and buff underparts with subtle dark bars on the breast. The presence of tiny white dots on the belly can also be a distinguishing feature. Its size and the sooty brown rump are additional characteristics to note.

Habitat

This wren is a denizen of the understory in humid forests, both evergreen and semi-deciduous, and can also be found in shady coffee plantations. Its presence is closely tied to areas with extensive limestone outcroppings.

Distribution

Endemic to Mexico, Sumichrast's wren is found from central Veracruz to northern Oaxaca. It resides at elevations ranging from 75 to 1,000 meters above sea level.

Behaviour

Feeding Sumichrast's wren primarily feeds on arthropods, invertebrates such as snails and worms, and occasionally includes small fruits in its diet. It forages close to the ground, hopping and taking short flights, probing into crevices for prey, and sometimes capturing flying insects that pass by.

Breeding Nests of this species, which are cups made of grass, roots, and other materials, have been discovered in May. These nests are typically placed in caves or crevices. Both sexes gather nesting materials, but only the female constructs the nest. The clutch generally consists of three eggs. During incubation, the male provides food to the female, and both parents are involved in feeding the nestlings.

Vocalization The male's song is a melodious and varied descending series of loud, rich whistles, while the female's song is a simpler phrase of a single repeated syllable. They also have distinctive calls that can be heard in their natural habitat.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified Sumichrast's wren as Near Threatened due to its small range and moderately small population, which are likely experiencing declines as a result of increasing habitat loss and degradation.