Stripe-throated Wren

The stripe-throated wren, a diminutive bird measuring a mere 12 centimeters in length, is adorned with a dark brown crown and upperparts, with a rufescent hue gracing its rump. Its tail boasts a reddish-brown color, elegantly barred with subtle blackish markings. A grayish white supercilium is a distinctive feature, while the face, chin, and throat are intricately streaked with black and grayish white, terminating abruptly at the deep reddish buff of the upper chest. This rich coloration extends and deepens through the belly to the vent. The juveniles bear a resemblance to the adults, albeit with less defined facial and throat streaking.

Identification Tips

To identify the stripe-throated wren, look for the characteristic streaked throat and face, the reddish-brown tail with blackish bars, and the reddish buff that begins at the upper chest and deepens towards the vent. The subspecies C. l. grisescens is notably paler and grayer than the nominate.

Habitat

This species is found at the edges of várzea and secondary forests, from sea level to elevations of 900 meters.

Distribution

The stripe-throated wren is distributed across Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama. The subspecies C. l. grisescens inhabits the Caribbean slope of eastern Panama and northern Colombia, while the nominate C. l. leucopogon is found on the Pacific slope, extending from eastern Panama through western Colombia to western Ecuador.

Behaviour

Pairs of stripe-throated wrens are often observed foraging together, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks. They prefer to search for food in dense vegetation, typically between 3 and 10 meters above the ground.

Song & calls

The song of the stripe-throated wren is a rather tuneless repetition of two to three notes, reminiscent of a 'chi-chi-chi' sound.

Breeding

Details on the breeding habits of the stripe-throated wren are scarce. Their nests are described as untidy balls with side entrances, often placed near the end of a small branch with little attempt at concealment.

Diet and Feeding

While not extensively documented, the diet of the stripe-throated wren is known to include insects, which they hunt for in thick vegetation.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the stripe-throated wren as Least Concern. Despite this, the species is considered to be rather scarce throughout much of its range.