Canyon Wren
NameCanyon Wren
Common NameCanyon Wren
Scientific NameCatherpes mexicanus
FamilyTroglodytidae
Wingspan (cm)20
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)10.5
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are rufous-brown, contrasting sharply with a pure white throat and breast. The belly and flanks are rufous, often with fine black barring on the tail and wings. The head is somewhat flattened, and the bill is long and slender.
Vocalization / CallIts song is a distinctive, cascading series of clear, descending whistles, often described as a 'tea-kettle, tea-kettle, tea-kettle' sound that slows and drops in pitch towards the end.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsmountain, desert, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in western North America, from southern British Columbia and parts of the western United States, south through Mexico to Central America. It inhabits arid and semi-arid regions with rocky terrain.
Identifying FeaturesWhite throat and breast contrasting with rufous body, Long, slender, decurved bill, Flattened head profile, Distinctive descending, whistling song, Preference for rocky habitats like canyons and cliffs
Description
The Canyon Wren is a small, slender wren with a distinctive flattened head and a long, decurved bill. It is renowned for its beautiful, cascading song that echoes through its rocky canyon habitats, where it expertly forages for insects in crevices.
