Canyon Wren

Canyon Wren

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1. Description
2. Sound
3. Conservation Status
4. Other Names
5. Cool Facts
6. Full detailed species account

Found throughout the arid mountain country and canyonlands of western North America, the Canyon Wren nests and feeds in narrow rock crevices. Often, it announces its presence by its beautiful and distinctive song, a loud cascade of musical whistles.

Description

• Small songbird.
• Brown body.
• White throat.
• Bright rufous, barred tail.
• Long, thin, decurved bill.

• Size: 11-15 cm (4-6 in)
• Wingspan: 19 cm (7 in)
• Weight: 9-18 g (0.32-0.64 ounces)

Sex Differences

Sexes alike, males slightly larger.

Sound

Song is a musical descending cascade of liquid notes. Call is a loud, metallic buzz.

Conservation Status

Not well monitored. May be declining in some areas.

Other Names

Railleur, Troglodyte des canons (French)
Saltapared risquero, Saltapared barraquero (Spanish)

Cool Facts

• The vertebral column of the Canyon Wren is attached higher on the skull than it is on most birds. This modification, along with a slightly flattened skull, allows a foraging Canyon Wren to thrust its bill forward into tight crevices without bumping its head.
• The Canyon Wren can climb up, down, and across rocks. A low center of gravity, large feet, and sharp claws aid in such locomotion.

• The Canyon Wren is not known to drink water. It probably gets all the water it needs from its insect prey. It has been seen foraging along the sides of desert springs, but not drinking.

Sources used to construct this page:

Jones, S. L., and J. Scott Dieni. 1995. Canyon Wren (Catherpes mexicanus). In The Birds of North America, No. 197 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, and The American Ornithologists' Union, Washington, D.C.