Gray-barred wren facts for kids
The gray-barred wren (Campylorhynchus megalopterus) is a cool bird that lives only in Mexico. It's part of the wren family, known for their lively songs!
Quick facts for kids Gray-barred wren |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Campylorhynchus
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| Species: |
megalopterus
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Contents
About the Gray-barred Wren
What is a Subspecies?
The gray-barred wren has two types, called subspecies. Think of them like different versions of the same bird. They are named Campylorhynchus megalopterus megalopterus and C. m. nelsoni.
Some scientists thought C. m. nelsoni might be a completely different species. But the two types are very similar. They have only small differences in their size and how their feathers look. Their songs also sound the same.
What Does It Look Like?
The gray-barred wren is a medium-sized bird. It is about 17 to 19.5 centimeters (7 to 8 inches) long. It weighs around 32.8 to 33.5 grams (about 1.2 ounces). That's about as much as a few pieces of candy!
Both male and female gray-barred wrens look similar. They have a grayish head with a black center. Their neck has black and white stripes. Their shoulders and back are black with white stripes.
Their throat and chest are white with black spots. Their sides are a light brown color with dark bars. The C. m. nelsoni subspecies is a bit smaller. Its spots and bars on the belly are more grayish-brown.
Young gray-barred wrens look a bit different. They have a solid brown cap on their head. Their body is mostly buff and brownish. They do not have the stripes on their back or the spots on their chest.
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Where Do They Live?
The two types of gray-barred wrens live in different areas of Mexico. Their homes do not meet.
The Campylorhynchus megalopterus megalopterus subspecies lives in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. This area stretches from Jalisco and Michoacán to western Puebla.
The C. m. nelsoni subspecies lives in the southern Sierra Madre Oriental mountains. You can find it from west-central Veracruz through eastern Puebla into northern Oaxaca.
These wrens like to live in different kinds of mountain forests. This includes humid pine-oak forests and fir tree stands. They can be found in both old, untouched forests and newer, regrowing forests. They live at high elevations, between 2,100 and 3,150 meters (about 6,900 to 10,300 feet) above sea level.
Behavior
What Do They Eat?
Scientists haven't fully studied what the gray-barred wren eats. But they believe it mostly eats small invertebrates. These are tiny creatures like insects or spiders.
The wren does not look for food on the ground. Instead, it searches among plants that grow on trees, like epiphytes, mosses, and lichens. It pokes around to find its meals.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
The gray-barred wren's breeding season seems to be in May and June. They build a special nest that looks like a dome. It has an entrance on the side.
They make their nests out of moss. They usually place them high up in a tree. Not much else is known about how these birds raise their young.
What Do They Sound Like?
The gray-barred wren's song is described as "a rapid harsh chatter." Both the male and female wrens sing together in a duet. Their call is a "harsh 'karrr'." You can listen to their sounds online!
Status
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) checks on animals around the world. They have said the gray-barred wren is a species of "Least Concern." This means it is not currently in danger of disappearing.
The bird is common in many places where it has good habitat. It also seems to be okay with some changes to its home. This is good news for the gray-barred wren!
