Yucatan Wren
Campylorhynchus yucatanicus
Large, boldly marked wren of dry coastal scrub along north coast of the Yucatan Peninsula; no similar species in its range. Found in pairs or small groups, usually in areas with cactus plants. The upperparts are marked with a complex pattern of streaks and bars, the tail tipped whitish on the corners. The breast and belly have sparse dark spotting.
Identification
The adult Yucatan wren is a small species about 18 centimetres (7 in) long. The face is whitish with a dark eye-stripe, and the crown is greyish brown. The upper parts are brown streaked with black and white, and the wings are brown and barred with dark brown and white. The tail is black barred with grey, with white tips to some of the outer feathers. The underparts are whitish with a dark cheek stripe and blackish spotting and barring. The juvenile is similar in appearance to the adult but with less contrast between the upper and underparts.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Campylorhynchus yucatanicus
- Authority
- (Hellmayr, 1934)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Troglodytidae
- Genus
- Campylorhynchus
Range and habitat
The Yucatan wren is endemic to a coastal strip of the Yucatan peninsula. It can be found in arid areas with scrub, large cacti, and pastureland edges. Its breeding range is even more restricted to a strip about one kilometre wide, edging the mangrove forests which fringe the coast.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The Yucatan wren is usually seen in pairs or small family groups and forages among the foliage and on the ground. Its diet is unknown.<p>The Yucatan wren starts nest-building activities in April, but eggs are laid in June. The nests are globular grass structures with side entrances. They are built a few metres off the ground in coastal scrub and the borders of the black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) forest, which thrives along the region's coasts. Clutch size averages three eggs, and both parents help rear the chicks. A third adult has been observed feeding the chicks occasionally, an example of cooperative breeding.
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Line-cheeked Spinetail
Cranioleuca antisiensis
Handsome spinetail of Andean forest and scrub; ranges from southern Ecuador to central Peru. Plumage is grayish-brown with a white eyebrow and bright chestnut crown, wings, and tail. Birds in Ecuador and far northern Peru are slightly smaller and tend to be browner, with a bit less white on the throat. Typically found in pairs at any level, and often quite vocal. Typical song is a few sharp squeaks followed by a descending trill.
Cerulean Cuckooshrike
Coracina temminckii
A large, uniform blue-gray cuckooshrike with a rather long tail, a pale eye, and a black mark between the bill and the eye. Juveniles show barred underparts. Singles, pairs, or small groups inhabit the canopy of montane forest in the foothills and higher. Often joins mixed-species flocks. The only entirely bluish-gray cuckooshrike with a pale eye on Sulawesi. Gives a harsh, rasping “shhhhhhchu” call as well as a very high-pitched “sweee-sweee-sweee” that rises in volume at the end.
Venezuelan Flycatcher
Myiarchus venezuelensis
Difficult to identify, a fairly large flycatcher with grayish brown upperparts, pale throat and chest, and pale yellow belly. Easily confused with other related flycatcher species, especially Short-crested Flycatcher. Venezuelan shows a straighter bill with pinkish at base, as well as different voice. Sexes similar. Locally common or in low densities, usually alone, in dry to humid forest, gallery forest, savanna with trees, and scrubby areas next to forested areas. Less vocal than other flycatchers and similar by voice to Dusky-capped Flycatcher, but the song is a longer and melancholic “puuuueeEEEuuuuu.” Found only in Colombia and Venezuela.
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