Barbed wren warbler

Introduction: Barred wren-warblers (Calamonastes fasciolatus) can be heard frequently singing a high-pitched trill, from an open perch on the top of a small tree. This can be under dense cover, usually in pairs or small groups in semi-arid fine-leaved Acacia and broad-leaved savannahs.

Distribution: Central and east to far eastern ranges including Etosha National Park, Ruacana Falls to Opuwo, Kaudom Park and Tsumkwe and Damaraland. Also found in the Linyanti Marshes including Mudumu National Park and Nkasa Rupara / Mamili National Park.
Diet: Eats insects including caterpillars, foraged from cover of the inside of a bush.

Description: Fasciolatus is a Latin word for 'banded' referring to the finely barred black, whitish cheeks and lores. Often confused with Stierling's wren-warbler which has white and not buffy underparts.
Breeding: A round nest consisting of fine grass and bound by spider web is usually placed 1 to 3m above the ground. Females lay 2 to 4 eggs from December to January.

Size: 14cm.

Weight: 14g.