Rufous-backed Wren – Tamarindo, CR

We watched a pair of Rufous-backed Wrens beside the Zulu Surf Hotel in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. Each morning, they perched in the sun before disappearing into the nearby gardens. Their nest was tucked inside a palm in the food court, proving these adaptable wrens thrive alongside people. Their rufous back, bold white eyebrow, and trilly song made them easy to find. We often saw them at breakfast and watched their daily routine before continuing our birding around Tamarindo. Despite their small size, Rufous-backed Wrens aggressively defend their nesting territory against much larger birds. It was somewhat remarkable that they tolerated the Tropical Kingbirds also nesting nearby.