Tropical House Wren ( Troglodytes (aedon) musculus )

11,5cm. Identification: there is no other Brazilian species like this bird, at least not in urban and disturbed areas.
Formerly all the house wren populations ranging from Canada to Chile were considered as a single species, but after several studies the populations south to Mexico were renamed as the Tropical House Wren (Troglodytes musculus ).
This hyperactive bird hops non-stop on the ground in search for the small invertebrates it feeds on, reminding a mouse (musculus = mouse ). It only perches to rest or to sing.
Its song is very complex and melodic, like other well known members of the Troglodytidae family.
It is famous for the breeding behavior, as this bird may nest in the most unusual places. There are reports of wrens nesting in payphones, bulldozers, sound boxes, electric facilities, etc. In Brazil it is the most common guest in artificial nest boxes, especially those small enough not to let other birds in.
It is well known for the very unusual behavior of destroying other birds’ eggs, even though it does not feed on them.