This is Bird Note.

The tropical forests of southern Mexico are filled with songbirds, and this wren is one of the rarest.

The sumacrest wren is a sooty brown bird about the size of a sparrow.

They have long, straight bills and short

round wings that give their bodies a plump appearance. And though they mostly skulk out of sight,

that haunting voice is crystal clear. Summichrist's Rens are found in only a dozen or so

locations in the tropical forests around Waxaca and Veracruz.

Their preferred habitat is often on steep hills and always includes limestone outcrops that provide the perfect crevices to build their nests

and a natural amphitheater to show off their vocal feats.

Another little brown bird in this region, called the Navas Wren, lives in the same type of habitat,

but their ranges don't overlap.

Until the 1990s, scientists thought that Navas Ren and Sumass Wren were separate populations of the same species.

But listen to the Navas Wren sing.

Now, here again is the Sumacrass Wren.

Genetic studies eventually proved that these birds are distinct species, each with their own way to serenade their forest homes.

For bird note, I'm Ariana Rimmel.