Chattering Gnatwren

The chattering gnatwren (Ramphocaenus sticturus) is a species of bird in the family Polioptilidae, the gnatcatchers. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru. == Taxonomy and systematics == The chattering gnatwren was formerly treated as a subspecies of the long-billed gnatwren (since renamed the trilling gnatwren by some taxonomies) (Ramphocaenus melanurus). It is now considered a separate species based on the phylogenetic relationships determined in a 2018 molecular study. Two subspecies are recognised: R. s. sticturus Hellmayr (1902) R. s. obscurus Zimmer, J.T. (1931) == Description == Little has been written about the chattering gnatwren's appearance other than as a subspecies of trilling gnatwren. The trilling sensu lato is 12 to 13 cm (4.7 to 5.1 in) long and weighs 8 to 11 g (0.28 to 0.39 oz). The nominate chattering gnatwren's upperparts are brown with a blackish tail. It has a buffy stripe over the eye and pale cinnamon cheeks blending to yellowish buff on the sides of the neck. Its undersides are buffy with a cinnamon tinge on the flanks. R. s. obscurus is darker with an ochre tint to the sides of the head, breast, and flanks. == Distribution and habitat == The obscurus subspecies of…