Band-backed Wren
Campylorhynchus zonatus
Large, noisy wren, usually found in groups at middle to high levels in trees. Favors taller forest, from pine-oak woods in mountains down to evergreen forests in foothills; also gardens and orchards. Clambers along branches and pokes into bromeliads, sometimes in mixed-species feeding flocks with orioles and woodcreepers. Plumage is distinctive, with rusty belly, boldly spotted breast, and boldly banded back. Juveniles (seen in summer) are much duller and plainer.
Identification
This large wren breeds in lowlands and foothills from sea level up to 1700 m altitude in thinned forest or open woodland, scrub, second growth and groves around houses. It mainly occurs on the Caribbean side of the Central American mountain ranges. Its large spherical nest has a wide side entrance and is constructed 2 – 30 m high in a tree or shrub, often hidden amidst bromeliads. The female alone incubates the three to five unmarked or lightly brown-spotted white eggs for about two weeks to hatching, and the young fledge in about the same length of time again. After breeding, families sleep together in dormitory nests like those used for breeding throughout the year.<p>The adult band-backed wren is 16.5 cm long and weighs 29 g. It has a brown-grey crown, black nape, and the rest of the upperparts and tail are heavily barred with black, tawny and white. The breast and throat are white, heavily spotted with black, and the belly is cinnamon. Young birds have duller upperparts and off-white to buff underparts.<p>This species has a short rasping zek call. The song is a mix of dry chatters, splutters and gurgles.<p>The band-backed wren forages actively in family groups of 4-12 birds. It eats mainly insects, spiders and other invertebrates.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Campylorhynchus zonatus
- Authority
- (Lesson, RP, 1832)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Troglodytidae
- Genus
- Campylorhynchus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Black-hooded Oriole
Oriolus xanthornus
A distinctive medium-sized yellow bird with a black head and breast, black flight feathers, and a red bill. In flight, the black band towards the tail tip is visible. Juvenile is duller overall with a white streaked throat and a darker bill. Often feeds on fruiting trees with a preference for figs in wooded gardens, groves, and open forests. The song is rich, fluty, and mellow. Calls include raspy, nasal notes that can sound like a croak.
Pine Siskin
Spinus pinus
Small, brown, streaked finch. Some show yellow in the wing and tail. Sharply pointed bill. Short, notched tail and long wings. Often visits feeders in areas with conifers. Irruptive in many areas; can move south in only small numbers some years, large numbers in other years. Often joins flocks of goldfinches. Can be quite vocal; listen for distinctive rising buzz like a zipper being zipped.
Ochre-collared Monarch
Arses insularis
A slender, medium-sized bird of lowland and foothill forest. Fairly long tail and black face with gray bill and blue eye wattle. Male has white belly, orange chest and collar, black tail, back and wings with a white wing patch. Female has chestnut breast, throat and collar with brown tail, back and wings. Limited overlap with the similar Frilled Monarch, but male Ochre-collared has an orange collar, and the female a brown back. Song, a fast series of repeated “wip!” notes or double “wee-pit!” notes.
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