Rufous-browed Wren Troglodytes rufociliatus Scientific name definitions

The Rufous-browed Wren is endemic to the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico, and northern Central America, south to northern Nicaragua. It is usually found above 1,700 and up to 3,500 meters above sea level in humid forests loaded with epiphytes and mosses. It is a relatively small Troglodytes with a bright cinnamon face and throat, short tail, and barred flanks, but it is otherwise very similar to other congeners. Superficially, it is similar to Northern House Wren (Troglodytes aedon), which occurs sympatrically throughout its range. However, the two rarely, if ever, occupy the same habitat; while Northern House Wren is at home in open areas, Rufous-browed Wren prefers to stay within the forest’s darker and more densely vegetated areas. Like in most wrens, pairs remain together year-round. This wren is heard much more often than seen, sometimes giving a loud nasal call, or its beautiful song. It is occasionally seen foraging on the ground, below fallen logs, or on epiphytes. Little information has been published concerning this species’ diet, behavior, and breeding biology. The distribution and taxonomy of each subspecies may need reevaluation because the currently accepted division seems odd from a biogeographical perspective. For example, the distribution of the nominate subspecies terminates at the Salvadoran border at Cerro El Pital, Chalatenango, while across the border in Ocotepeque Honduras, the distribution of Troglodytes rufociliatus rehni begins.