Chattering Gnatwren
Ramphocaenus sticturus
Very small bird of humid tropical forest and edge. Favors vine tangles at mid-upper levels, where moves actively, holding its tail cocked and flopping it from side to side. Appearance is distinctive, with buffy face, very long thin bill, and fairly long tail with white tips. Similar to Long-billed Gnatwren but has three white spots on outer tail feathers and a slower, sometimes multiparted chattering song. Easily overlooked, but vocal.
Identification
Little has been written about the chattering gnatwren's appearance other than as a subspecies of trilling gnatwren. The trilling sensu lato is 12 to 13 cm (4.7 to 5.1 in) long and weighs 8 to 11 g (0.28 to 0.39 oz). The nominate chattering gnatwren's upperparts are brown with a blackish tail. It has a buffy stripe over the eye and pale cinnamon cheeks blending to yellowish buff on the sides of the neck. Its undersides are buffy with a cinnamon tinge on the flanks. R. s. obscurus is darker with an ochre tint to the sides of the head, breast, and flanks.
Taxonomy
The chattering gnatwren was formerly treated as a subspecies of the long-billed gnatwren (since renamed the trilling gnatwren by some taxonomies) (Ramphocaenus melanurus). It is now considered a separate species based on the phylogenetic relationships determined in a 2018 molecular study.<p>Two subspecies are recognised:
- Scientific name
- Ramphocaenus sticturus
- Authority
- Hellmayr, 1902
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Invalid/Not Found
- Genus
- Ramphocaenus
Range and habitat
The obscurus subspecies of chattering gnatwren is found from northern Peru's Department of Loreto south and east into Bolivia's La Paz Department. The nominate R. s. sticturus is found only in Mato Grosso state in west-central Brazil. <p>The chattering gnatwren inhabits the undergrowth of moist terra firme forest, deciduous primary forest, and secondary forest.
Behavior
The diet of the chattering gnatwren has not been described separately from that of the whole trilling gnatwren complex. That species sensu lato feeds on small arthropods such as insects and spiders. It forages actively from near the ground to mid-level, alone, as a pair, or as part of a mixed-species foraging flock.<p>The breeding phenology of the chattering gnatwren has not been separately described.<p>Examples of the chattering gnatwren's vocalizations are [1] and [2].
Photos
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Hemitesia neumanni
Unusual short-tailed and big-headed warbler. The most obvious marks are the bold black, white, and olive-green stripes on the head. Found in the understory of middle-elevation montane forest, usually in thick, wet areas, as along streams. Most often detected by voice: a sequence of three whistles, “tseew tsee-tyout.” Most similar to Green Hylia, but much shorter-tailed.
Violaceous Jay
Cyanocorax violaceus
Large, dark jay with vibrant blue plumage and a black head and bib. Frequents a variety of open habitats, including forest edges, gardens, and agricultural areas. Often particularly common in vegetation along rivers and other waterways. Distinguished from similar Purplish Jay by its brighter blue plumage and contrasting pale nape. Also listen for a high-pitched, piercing “jeer.”
Band-tailed Antshrike
Thamnophilus melanothorax
A rarely encountered large antshrike. Both sexes are distinctive; male is mostly black with a broad white tail band, whereas female is mostly rusty-colored with a black face and throat. Pairs inhabit disturbed areas in forested regions and are especially fond of dense vine tangles. May ascend into midstory but usually remains in undergrowth where they are difficult to see. Song is a slow series of hollow notes, much slower than other antshrikes in range; also harsh churring in alarm. Range incompletely known.
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