Wrenthrush

The Wrenthrush, or Zeledonia coronata, is a distinctive bird endemic to the highlands of Costa Rica and Panama. This species, neither a true wren nor a thrush, is the sole representative of its genus and family. It is a small, plump bird, measuring between 10 to 11.5 cm in length and weighing approximately 21 grams. Both sexes are similar in appearance, sporting a large yellow-orange patch bordered with black on the crown, a leaden gray face and neck, and dull olive bronze upperparts and flanks. The underparts are a leaden gray with an olive hue on the undertail coverts. Juveniles lack the orange crown and have more brownish upperparts.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Wrenthrush, look for its short tail, plump body, and short thin bill reminiscent of a Parulidae warbler. The distinctive yellow-orange crown patch with black borders is a key feature, along with its overall leaden gray and olive bronze plumage.

Habitat

The Wrenthrush thrives in montane evergreen and elfin forests, areas often shrouded in mist and persistent wetness. It shows a preference for dense vegetation near streams and is particularly fond of Chusquea bamboo stands.

Distribution

This bird's range extends from the Cordillera de Guanacaste in northern Costa Rica through to the Chiriquí and Veraguas provinces of western Panama. It is typically found at elevations from 1,500 meters to the treeline, with a more common presence around 2,500 meters in Costa Rica.

Behaviour

The Wrenthrush is a sedentary bird with minimal elevational movement. It is a weak flier, often staying within the confines of dense vegetation and only taking short flights when necessary.

Song & Calls

Both male and female Wrenthrushes are known to sing, sometimes in duets, with increased vocal activity during the breeding season. Their primary song is a distinctive "ssee-del-deet" with an emphasis on the final note, while their call is a thin "pseee".

Breeding

Breeding season for the Wrenthrush spans from March to early July. Their nests are dome-shaped with a side entrance, constructed from moss, twigs, and leaves, and often hidden by overhanging vegetation in earthen bank cavities. Clutch size is typically three eggs, with both parents involved in provisioning the nestlings.

Diet and Feeding

The Wrenthrush forages by hopping along branches and the ground, searching for arthropods such as spiders and Lepidoptera larvae. It tends to forage within dense vegetation but may also explore the edges and higher up in vines and epiphytes.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Wrenthrush as Least Concern. Although it has a small range and the population size is not well known, it is believed to be stable. There are currently no immediate threats identified, but habitat degradation could become a concern in the future. However, its specialized high-altitude habitat is not currently under significant threat.