Large, noisy wren of pine-oak and conifer forests in mountains of south-central Mexico; endemic. Usually found in groups, foraging low in brushy tangles or high in tall trees. Clambers along branches and pokes into bromeliads, often in mixed-species feeding flocks with orioles and woodcreepers. Plumage is distinctive, with boldly spotted breast and boldly banded back, wings, and tail. Juveniles (seen in summer) are very different, with streaked buffy back and plain whitish breast.