Dec 24

Bird of the day

Trilling gnatwren

Ramphocaenus melanurus

The trilling gnatwren (Ramphocaenus melanurus), formerly long-billed gnatwren, is a very small bird in the gnatcatcher family. It found from southeast Mexico south to Ecuador and Amazonia.

Adult trilling gnatwrens are 12–13 cm (4.7–5.1 in) in length and weigh 8–11 g (0.28–0.39 oz). They have a long, thin bill and a short cocked tail. The upperparts are grey-brown, with rufous on the sides of the head. The throat is white, shading to buff on the rest of the underparts. The tail is black with white tips to all but the central feathers, and is frequently wagged. R. m. trinitatis, of eastern Colombia, Venezuela and Trinidad has paler underparts, and buff flanks and head sides.

The call is a trilled drdrdrdrdrdrdrdrdrdr.

Aliases

Ramphocaenus melanurus

Range

Range map of Trilling gnatwren

Data retrieved on October 15, 2025 at 5:30 AM