Cyphorhinus thoracicus
The Southern Chestnut-breasted Wren (Cyphorhinus thoracicus) is a striking and vocally prominent resident of humid montane forests in the Andes. Measuring approximately 18 cm (7 inches) in length and weighing between 40-50 grams, this relatively large wren boasts a deep chestnut-colored breast, contrasting sharply with its rufous-brown upperparts and a distinctive black-and-white striped facial pattern. Its most notable field marks include this vivid breast plumage, a plump body, and a short,...
This wren primarily inhabits the dense understory and mid-story of humid montane cloud forests and moist evergreen forests, particularly favoring ravines and areas with thick vegetation. It is typically found at elevations ranging from 900 to 2,500 meters (3,000-8,200 feet) above sea level.
Their diet consists primarily of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, which they glean and probe from the forest floor and low vegetation.
Southern Chestnut-breasted Wrens are diurnal and notoriously secretive, spending most of their time foraging in the dense leaf litter and low vegetation, often making them difficult to observe despite their loud vocalizations. They employ a rummaging foraging strategy, meticulously probing and gl...
The Southern Chestnut-breasted Wren is a resident species found exclusively in the humid montane forests of the Andes. Its primary distribution extends from the Western and Central Andes of Colombia, south through the Andes of Ecuador and Peru, and reaching into northern Bolivia. Significant popu...
Least Concern
- The Southern Chestnut-breasted Wren is often referred to as the 'Song Wren' due to its incredibly rich and musical vocalizations. - Its complex, fluty song is considered one of the most beautiful and powerful among all Neotropical birds. - Unlike many wren species, it is relatively large and pl...