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Photo: © Neil Diaz eBird S14860440 Macaulay Library ML 43036901
apolinars-wren

Apolinar's Wren

Cistothorus apolinari
Cucarachero de Apolinar
map-colombia-apolinars-wren
bird-song-square

Song

Apolinar's Wren

Appearance: Apolinar's Wren is a small bird with a length of about 12 cm. It has a drab plumage, which is common for many wren species. The bird's upperparts are brown with darker streaks, while its underparts are lighter, often a pale buff or whitish color. It has a short tail, which it often holds upright, and a thin, slightly curved bill.
Habitat: This wren is found in high-altitude wetlands in the Andean region of Colombia (Cundinamarca, Santander and Boyacá). It inhabits marshes and areas with dense vegetation near water bodies, such as lakes and rivers. The species is adapted to live in páramo ecosystems, which are unique high-altitude tropical environments.
Behavior: Apolinar's Wren is known for its secretive nature, often staying hidden within dense marsh vegetation. It is an active forager feeding on insects and other small invertebrates. The bird is also known for its distinctive song, which it uses to communicate and establish territory.
Breeding: The breeding season for Apolinar's Wren coincides with the rainy season when food is more abundant. The species builds its nest in dense vegetation, close to the ground or over water. The nest is dome-shaped, constructed from grasses and other plant materials. Clutch size is small, with the female incubating the eggs.
Conservation Status: Apolinar's Wren is currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Distribution

Apolinar's Wren is endemic to Colombia, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. Its distribution is mainly restricted to the Eastern and Central Andes, particularly in the departments of Cundinamarca, Boyacá, and Santander. Conservation areas and national parks within these regions are crucial for the species' survival

Taxonomy

The APolinar's Wren (Cistothorus apolinari)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Passeriformes
  • Family: Troglodytidae
  • Genus: Cistothorus 
  • Species: Cistothorus apolinari

Vocalization

Apolinar's Wren is a bird species endemic to the high-altitude wetlands of Colombia. Its vocalizations are an essential part of its behavior and ecology. The song of the Apolinar's Wren is a series of melodious and complex notes, often described as a mix of trills, whistles, and chatters. These vocalizations are used for communication between mates, territory defense, and signaling alarm or distress.
The song can vary between individuals and populations, which is common in wrens, as they often have a wide range of vocalizations. The complexity and variation in their songs make them interesting subjects for studies on bird communication and behavior.