Band-backed Wren Campylorhynchus zonatus Scientific name definitions

Four disjunct populations (and seven subspecies) of Band-backed Wren range from eastern Mexico to northwest Ecuador. Throughout this range, it can hardly be misidentified, on account of its relatively large size combined with extensively barred upperparts, while some populations are cinnamon- or buff-colored over the belly, and / or have spots and bars over the posterior underparts. It is generally considered to be most catholic of its genus in terms of habitat preferences, occurring in both semi-open country and relatively dense forests, from sea level to at least 3000 m.

18–19 cm; 28·3–39·5 g. Distinctive wren with heavily spotted chest, bright cinnamon belly and prominently barred back. Nominate race has crown speckled blackish-grey, nape streaked black and white, back heavily barred black and off-white sometimes with chestnut areas, primaries and secondaries barred black and whitish, tail dull black with off-white bars, especially at side; throat and chest buff-white with circular black spots, belly orange-buff; eye reddish-brown; bill blackish above, paler below; legs yellowish-flesh or yellowish-olive. Sexes similar. Juvenile has blackish crown (capped appearance), back spotted, not barred, greyish chest without spots, pale cinnamon-buff belly. Race <em>restrictus</em> is larger and more heavily spotted than nominate; vulcanius is less strongly buff, no spots or bars on belly; <em>costaricensis</em> is smaller than nominate, with abdomen more tawny, heavier and blacker spotting on chest and throat; <em>brevirostris</em> has belly much paler than nominate, juvenile generally paler; curvirostris is very similar to previous but smaller, with posterior upperparts deeper buff; imparilis differs from last in shorter tail, much less deeply coloured lower underparts.

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• White-headed x Band-backed Wren (hybrid) Campylorhynchus albobrunneus x zonatus

Editor's Note: Additional distribution information for this taxon can be found in the 'Subspecies' article above. In the future we will develop a range-wide distribution article.

Food appears to be mostly invertebrates. Forages at all levels; prises apart loose tree bark and lichens, sometimes while hanging head downwards in manner of tit (Paridae); also forages on ground , by turning over leaves. Sometimes joins mixed-species flocks.

Egg-laying Mar–Aug; double-brooded in lowlands, one brood at higher altitudes. Co-operative breeder. Nest, built by male or by both members of pair, an untidy globular structure c. 25–30 cm in diameter, of plant fibres , straw and moss, lined with wool and hair, lateral entrance c. 10 cm across and protected above by short “porch”; placed 2–30 m up, usually 8 m or more, in tree or under cover of epiphytes; nests also built for roosting purposes, often by several (presumably related) individuals. Eggs 3–5, white, with or without a few dark speckles; incubation period probably c. 20 days; chicks fed by both sexes, also by up to five helpers (presumably immature relatives), fledging period 18–19 days; after fledging, family roosts communally, usually in different nest.