Canyon Wrens are stocky brown birds with white throats and lighter barred tails. Their heads are more grayish-brown and speckled. They have short, strong legs, which they use to cling to rocks. Males and females look the same.
Distinctive features: They are found in similar rocky areas as Rock Wrens, but they have a white throat and dark belly.
- Catherpes mexicanus
- Length: 4.5-6.1 in (11.4-15.4 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.7 oz (9.9-18.3 g)
- Wingspan: 7.1-7.9 in (18-20 cm)
Range
Canyon Wrens are found in the west from southern British Columbia down through western US states and into Mexico, and they do not migrate.
Habitat And Diet
Look for Canyon Wrens in rocky areas where they forage for insects and spiders hidden in crevices. Their short, strong legs mean they can cling onto rocks and even scale a vertical rocky cliff.
Canyon Wren sounds:
They have a distinctive song that descends and slows and finishes on a few raspy notes.
Nests
Nests of Canyon Wrens are built in crevices from twigs and grasses lined with wool and feathers.
Fun fact:
Canyon Wrens steal food from spider webs and wasp nests.
