Rock Wren
NameRock Wren
Common NameRock Wren
Scientific NameSalpinctes obsoletus
FamilyTroglodytidae
Wingspan (cm)23
Length (cm)15
Weight (g)16.5
Plumage DetailsOverall grayish-brown plumage with fine white speckling on the back and head, creating a frosted appearance. It has a pale supercilium, and the underparts are buffy to cinnamon, particularly on the flanks and undertail coverts. The tail is finely barred with a dark subterminal band and pale tips.
Vocalization / CallIts song is a series of clear, musical trills and whistles, often repeated, with a distinctive 'kweer-kweer-kweer' or 'cheer-cheer-cheer' quality. It also produces harsh churring and rattling calls.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsdesert, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across western North America, from southern Canada through the western United States and Mexico, extending into Central America.
Identifying Featurescryptic grayish-brown plumage with fine white speckling, pale supercilium, buffy/cinnamon flanks and undertail coverts, finely barred tail with dark subterminal band, long, slender bill, distinctive body-bobbing behavior
Description
The Rock Wren is a medium-sized wren known for its cryptic plumage that blends seamlessly with its rocky, arid habitats. It is often observed hopping and scurrying among boulders and cliffs, constantly probing crevices for insects. This species is characterized by its distinctive bobbing posture.
