Large, noisy wren, usually found in groups at middle to high levels in trees. Favors taller forest, from pine-oak woods in mountains down to evergreen forests in foothills; also gardens and orchards. Clambers along branches and pokes into bromeliads, sometimes in mixed-species feeding flocks with orioles and woodcreepers. Plumage is distinctive, with rusty belly, boldly spotted breast, and boldly banded back. Juveniles (seen in summer) are much duller and plainer.