Black-capped Donacobius

*Top 50 Target Species (Because it's the only species in its family)

The Black-capped Donacobius is a conspicuous, vocal species found year-round in Ecuador’s eastern lowlands, where it inhabits freshwater wetlands, oxbow lakes, and riparian zones with dense emergent vegetation. It is locally common in suitable habitats, often seen in pairs perched atop reeds or shrubs, engaging in antiphonal duets and cooperative breeding with help from older offspring. Globally listed as Least Concern, its population is large but slowly declining due to wetland degradation and fragmentation. As the sole member of its family, Donacobiidae, it stands out both taxonomically and behaviorally, blending traits of wrens and mockingbirds in a reed-dwelling lifestyle.