CHESTNUT-BACKED WREN 



merges with the black sides of the neck; chin 

 and upper throat white changing into tawny 

 chestnut on remainder of under parts, which 

 are more or less distinctly barred with dusky. 

 Young. Similar to adults. 



"Found in heavy undergrowth in damp jungle 

 thickets. Song loud and ringing" (Jewel). 



3. Thryophilus rufalbus castanonotus 



Ridgway 

 Chestnut-backed Wren 



Sexes alike. Length 142 mm. (5.60 in.); 

 tail 51 mm. (2.00 in.). Above light chestnut; 

 wings and tail barred with dusky; a narrow dis- 

 tinct line of white over eye with a dusky streak 

 above it ; cheeks and sides of neck white streaked 

 with dusky brown; under parts white more or 

 less streaked with dusky, the breast and ab- 

 domen sometimes immaculate. 



Young. Similar to adults. 



This wren is not uncommon and is widely 

 distributed, although it is so shy and secretive 

 in its habits that it is not often seen. Once 

 heard, never to be forgotten is its song. As one 

 passes along the trail or road, from the almost 

 impenetrable depths of vine-covered thicket, one 

 hears its liquid and thrilling notes, usually end- 

 ing in a sharp ascending whistle. It also has a 

 melodious song somewhat resembling a sub- 

 dued bugle call. One of these wrens inhabited 

 the undergrowth on the side of Ancon Hill for 

 three years. 



358 



