Rufous Wren
Cinnycerthia unirufa
A medium-sized, uniformly-colored wren found in the upper subtropical and temperate zone of the Andes from western Venezuela to extreme northern Peru. Bright rufous-brown overall (brightest in the northern populations) with black lores and indistinct dark barring on wings and tail. Similar to Sharpe’s Wren, but brighter brown and typically found at higher elevations. Occurs from around 2,200-3,800m. Small parties forage in the understory of forest, often around bamboo thickets. Can be skulky and difficult to see well. Sometimes follows mixed-species flocks. Listen for the harsh chattering calls.
Identification
The rufous wren has a length of about 16.5 cm (6.5 in). Birds in most of Colombia and in Ecuador are a uniform dark chestnut-brown colour with slight blackish barring on the wings and tail, though this is difficult to observe in the field. The lores are also blackish. Individuals in northeastern Colombia and in Venezuela are a slightly paler shade, especially on the crown. The rufous wren could be confused with the sepia-brown wren (Cinnycerthia olivascens), but that species is less rufous and has bolder barring on wings and tail. Another similar bird is the rufous spinetail (Synallaxis unirufa), but that species has a longer tail, has no barring on wings and tail and is altogether different in voice and habits.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Cinnycerthia unirufa
- Authority
- (Lafresnaye, 1840)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Troglodytidae
- Genus
- Cinnycerthia
Range and habitat
The rufous wren is found in montane areas of northern Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and southwestern Venezuela at altitudes usually between 2,200 and 3,400 metres (7,200 and 11,200 ft). It occurs in dense undergrowth in tropical moist forests.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The rufous wren is usually found in groups of a few individuals often joining other species of birds in small flocks. It flits about in the undergrowth and is often to be seen in and around clumps of Chusquea mountain bamboo. It has a complex and musical song consisting of repeated notes, trills and short phrases, and often sung in duets with other birds.
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Black-hooded Sierra Finch
Phrygilus atriceps
Attractive small “finch” that is actually a tanager of the high Andes; found in villages, agricultural terraces, scrubby slopes, and bogs. Associates readily with other small seed-eating birds and in some places is tame and acclimated, begging for food at picnic sites. Handsome male is striking and distinctive with a golden back and plain dark wings (compare with smaller siskins). Female and immature are duller, but dark slaty hood and golden tones to back are distinctive. Compare with Gray-hooded Sierra-Finch to south and Peruvian Sierra-Finch to north.
Alta Floresta Antpitta
Hylopezus whittakeri
Secretive species, almost tailless with long legs. Has a black-spotted breast, white throat, and conspicuous buff “goggles”. Found in humid forest with relatively dense undergrowth, where it moves quietly on the forest floor. Often perches on horizontal dead logs when singing its melancholy series of typically five whistles.
Gray-breasted Parakeet
Pyrrhura griseipectus
Highly gregarious small parakeet with a long, pointed tail. Has a chestnut face, a dark cap, a grayish scalloped breast, and a large red patch on the belly. Inhabits a handful of high-elevation forests across a very restricted range that it shares with few similar species.
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