Microcerculus philomela
northern nightingale-wren
(Also: nightingale wren)

The nightingale wren has a very limited range. It is found from far southeast Mexico through to Costa Rica (the northern portion of Central America). It has been seen by a few observant researchers, birdwatchers, and tourists in this area.

(Stiles & Skutch 1989)

Microcerculus philomela lives in thick evergreen forests, which are also usually very moist, and have a large amount of cover on the forest floor. Most of the time M. philomela can be found on the forest floor, or perched on low branches and plants, and are very difficult to spot unless they are singing. Ravines and foothills in these forests are favorite environments of these birds. (Stiles & Skutch 1989)

Adults are usually 10-11 cm in length and weigh 18 g.

Both male and female adults have dark black markings, usually scaling on their breast and throat which have a greyish base color, but can appear almost completely black. Their dorsal side is dark brown, with black scalloping around the edges, as well as on the wings. There are a lighter spots on the wing coverts. They have a black bill and black legs.

Immature wrens have markings similar to adults, but are over-all paler in color, creating more contrast between light and dark markings.

Young wrens are even paler than immature wrens, though still similar, also with a marked contrast in color. Their scaling is mostly grey, instead of black, and their base color is more of a light cream or buff shade.

(Stiles & Skutch 1989; Howell & Webb 1995)

Nightingale wrens are very elusive, which makes them difficult to study, as well as to observe and enjoy in the wild. Their markings and habit of hiding on the forest floor or in low vegetation help them to be safe, and also avoid intervention from humans. The song of these birds is largely what helps people locate them in the forest and distinguish them from other birds. Microcerculus philomela males learn only one song during their lifetime, but this song can be altered to fit different uses, such as mating and marking territory.

(Howell & Webb 1995)

Nightingale wrens are mostly insectivores that forage in the debris of the forest floor for insects, arachnids, and other small forest invertabrates. A peculiar behavior when searching for food is the constant motion of the tail beating on the ground as they walk. This could be used as a method of drawing food out into the open to be eaten.

(Stiles & Skutch 1989)

Nightingale wrens are popular on birding resorts in Central America. Along with the many other diverse species of birds found in this region, they create an attraction for tourists and an industry for this kind of resort.

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Until recently, Microcerculus philomela was considered a subspecies of Microcerculus marginatus, which is located immediately south of the range of M. philomela. They were all lumped, along with Microcerculus luscina, under the name nightingale wren. Their geographic differences, along with distinct differences in song and physical traits have separated the groups. They are sometimes referred to as Northern and Southern nightingale wrens, respectively. This division is likely the beginning of speciation in this group of very closely related birds.

(Stiles & Skutch 1989)