Rufous-backed Wren
Campylorhynchus capistratus
Widespread but often local large wren with pronounced geographic variation in appearance. Usually in small groups, less often in pairs. Mainly found in thorn forest and dry scrubby habitats, but also sometimes in more humid scrub and semiopen areas. All populations have boldly barred wings and tail and bright rusty nape patch. On coastal slope of Chiapas compare to Giant Wren, but note the general lack of barring and larger size of that species. Often detected by its marvelous loud song, which consists of various bubbly, whistled, nasal, or harsh notes and is often given by multiple birds at once.
Identification
The adult rufous-backed wren is 17 cm (6.7 in) long and weighs 29 to 42 g (1.0 to 1.5 oz). There is some variation among the subspecies but generally they have a black crown and eyestripe separated by a white supercilium, a rufous nape, and cinnamon to chestnut upperparts streaked with black and white, especially on the rump. The wings and tail are barred with black and grayish-white. The underparts are white. Young birds have duller upperparts and buff underparts.
Taxonomy
What is now the rufous-backed wren was previously treated as six of the eight subspecies of rufous-naped wren (Campylorhynchus rufinucha). A 2009 publication proposed that Campylorhynchus rufinucha (sensu lato) be split into three species and the International Ornithological Committee (IOC) accepted the splits. What had been C. r. humilis was elevated to species status as Sclater's wren. The reduced C. rufinucha received the new English name Veracruz wren and the other six subspecies became subspecies of rufous-backed wren.<p>BirdLife International (BLI) has implemented the split but retains the English name rufous-naped wren for C. rufinucha. However, the North American Classification Committee of the American Ornithological Society (NACC/AOS) and the Clements taxonomy have not accepted the split as of early 2021. <p>The six subspecies of rufous-backed wren accepted by the IOC are:<p>The last of these has not been accepted by the Clements taxonomy.
- Scientific name
- Campylorhynchus capistratus
- Authority
- (Lesson, RP, 1842)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Troglodytidae
- Genus
- Campylorhynchus
Range and habitat
The six subspecies of rufous-backed wren are found thus:<p>This large wren occurs in lowlands and foothills from sea level up to 800 m (2,600 ft) elevation in Costa Rica and as high as 1,400 m (4,600 ft) in El Salvador. It inhabits dry forest or open woodland, scrub, second growth and savanna, mainly on the Pacific side of the central mountain ranges.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The rufous-backed wren forages actively in low vegetation for insects and other invertebrates, in pairs or family groups. They have adapted to live near humans and sometimes take table scraps. When attempting to consume prey, they may thrash it around with their beak before eating.<p>The rufous-backed wren's spherical nest has a side entrance and is lined with seed down. It is constructed 1.5 to 8 m (4.9–26.2 ft) high in thorny trees or shrubs, especially bull's-horn acacia. This species sometimes nests close to the nests of wasps and there is experimental evidence that those that do so are afforded substantial protection from predation. The female alone incubates the three to five brown- or black-spotted, white or greenish eggs for about two weeks until hatching, and the young fledge after about the same length of time again. After breeding, families sleep together in dormitory nests like those used for breeding.<p>The rufous-backed wren's songs vary somewhat among subspecies but the basic structure is "melodic, pure-tone syllables with multiple frequency changes combined into phrases." An example from Costa Rica is [1]. One from Mexico is [2]. Its calls have great variety even within each subspecies; examples include [3], [4], and [5].
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
White-throated Bee-eater
Merops albicollis
Slim pretty bee-eater with very long central tail feathers. The bold white throat and eyebrow distinguish this species from all other bee-eaters. Breeds in arid savanna, but occurs in a wide range of habitats on migration and when not breeding, including moist savanna, forest edge, and cultivation. Often in groups, which are sometimes large. The call is a dry, high-pitched rattle.
White-tailed Swallow
Hirundo megaensis
A small swallow with white underparts and dark blue upperparts. The tail shows an unusual pattern: a dark rim around large white panels both above and below. Found very locally in southern Ethiopia in open thorn savanna, in areas with many large termite mounds. Often in pairs. Similar to Gray-rumped Swallow, but easily separated by the white in the tail. Could be confused with Common House Martin, but has white in the tail rather than a bold rump patch.
Chaco Sparrow
Rhynchospiza strigiceps
Small sparrow found in lowlands and foothills from northern Argentina to southeastern Bolivia. It has chestnut and gray stripes on the head and faint black and white mustache streaks. Similar to Yungas Sparrow, with which it was formerly lumped as Stripe-capped Sparrow, but is smaller with less black between the eye and bill, browner wings, and different voice. Inhabits open, grassy habitats with scattered trees and low scrub. Song is a fairly rapid series of sweet whistles, repeated every few seconds.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.