Cabanis's Wren

The Cabanis's wren, a modestly adorned bird, measures between 12.5 to 14 cm in length. Males typically weigh between 17.8 and 19.1 grams, while females are slightly lighter at 16.0 to 16.6 grams. The adult's plumage features a dark gray-brown crown, a rufous-brown back, and an orange-rufous rump. Its tail is rufescent brown with narrow darker bars. A distinctive white supercilium, a gray-brown stripe post-eye, and mottled gray-brown and gray-white cheeks grace its face. The throat is white, leading to a pale grayish buff chest and a buffy white belly, flanked by orange-buff. Northern individuals exhibit darker and less rufous back plumage. The immature birds present a duller version of the adults.

Identification Tips

When identifying Cabanis's wren, look for the white supercilium and the mottled cheeks. The rufous tones on the back and rump, along with the barred tail, are also key characteristics. Note the size and the bird's overall coloration, which may vary slightly depending on the geographic location.

Habitat

Cabanis's wren is quite adaptable, inhabiting dry to humid environments. It can be found in forest edges, secondary growth, and even gardens, from sea level up to elevations of around 2,000 meters.

Distribution

This species is distributed from the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Chiapas, extending southward through Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua, and reaching as far as central Costa Rica on the Pacific side.

Behaviour

Cabanis's wren typically forages in pairs within low, dense vegetation but may occasionally venture higher into the trees. It is known to be common to abundant within its range and thrives in human-altered landscapes.

Song & calls

The vocal repertoire of Cabanis's wren includes a song composed of 3-4 clear whistles. Its calls are varied, featuring a harsh 'chur' and a rippling, tinkling 'chi-cho-chi'.

Breeding

The species constructs a football-shaped nest with a side entrance, woven from grass and other plant fibers, and lined with softer materials. Nests are placed within dense vegetation, typically not exceeding 3 meters above ground. Clutch sizes are generally two, but can occasionally number three.

Diet and Feeding

Cabanis's wren's diet primarily consists of insects and spiders, which it actively hunts in its preferred habitat.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified Cabanis's wren as Least Concern. It appears to be faring well, even in areas that have undergone significant human modification.