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
Tropical Shearwater
Puffinus bailloni
Small shearwater of the tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans, where it breeds on barren and rocky atolls and islets, venturing offshore to feed. Dark blackish brown above and white below; this combination of pattern and size distinctive within range. Similar to Sargasso Shearwater of the Atlantic, which has more extensive white on the face, and somewhat similar to larger Manx Shearwater and smaller Little Shearwater, but Tropical has mottled dark undertail coverts (white in Manx and Little).
Ribbon-tailed Astrapia
Astrapia mayeri
A long-tailed bird of upper montane forest. The male has an iridescent green head and bib with a black chest band bordered with a thin gold stripe. Note the outlandishly long, white tail streamers. Female is blackish with barring on the belly and some iridescence on the head. Mainly eats fruit. Similar to Stephanie’s Astrapia, but Ribbon-tailed usually occurs at higher elevations. The female Ribbon-tailed has iridescence on the head and the male’s tail is white rather than black. Voice, excited, pulsing rasps.
Jungle Myna
Acridotheres fuscus
Typical “crested myna,” dark gray overall (darkest on head and wings) with white vent and wing patches, yellow-orange bill and legs, and small tufted crest above base of bill. Contrary to its name, usually found in open areas such as farmland, fields, and parks. Similar in appearance to Javan Myna, but shorter-crested, paler overall, and with partially black bill (Javan has entirely yellowish-orange bill). Song consists of harsh, crackling, yet melodic notes.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.