Southern Chestnut-breasted Wren
Cyphorhinus thoracicus
Found at higher elevations than other members of its genus. Shy and uncommon denizen of forest undergrowth from 1,100–2,000 m. Chunky and short-tailed, dark brown above with rich rufous neck and breast. Blue eyering. Sexes alike. Could recall an antbird, but especially note pointier bill with a thicker base. Typically found in pairs or small family groups foraging on or near the ground. More easily heard than seen: song consists of repeated phrases that can have eerie clear notes, infected whistles, or harsher phrases, but is slower and lower-pitched than the songs of other wrens in range. Usually gives the same phrase many times before switching to a new phrase.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Cyphorhinus thoracicus
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Troglodytidae
- Genus
- Cyphorhinus
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Variegated Flycatcher
Empidonomus varius
Medium-sized flycatcher commonly found in the canopy and border of forests, woodlands, savannas, and urban areas where it usually perches on exposed branches. Note the complicated head pattern with a black mask and crown, and a broad white eyebrow and mustache. The black crown also has a central yellow patch, which is often concealed. The body is streaky with a cinnamon rump and tail. Similar to Piratic flycatcher, but Variegated Flycatcher is larger and paler, with cinnamon on the tail and rump and with more boldly-marked wings. The call is nasal “pseeeu.”
Olive Warbler
Peucedramus taeniatus
Small songbird of mountainous coniferous forests. Males have an orange head with dark cheeks; otherwise gray with bold white wingbars. Females are drabber with a yellowish head. Immatures even less colorful. Tends to stay high in the canopy, sometimes in mixed foraging flocks with other songbirds. Listen for musical song of repeated phrases with clear or slightly burry notes; also gives a distinctive "peew" call. Previously considered part of the wood-warbler family, but now placed in its own family.
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
Dryobates minor
Very small (sparrow-sized) and easily overlooked woodpecker, often encountered foraging quietly on smaller branches and twigs high in the canopy. Note bold white barring on back and wings, whitish underparts with no red blush under tail; male has red crown patch. Varies subtly across range, especially in the coloration and patterning of the breast and belly; more northern birds tend to have paler, less patterned underparts. Inhabits deciduous woodlands, parkland, and larger gardens. Gives high-pitched squeaky calls and long, even drums.
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