Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis), San Pedro Riparian NCA, Cochise County

This Winter Wren was photographed by Arlene Ripley on 05 December 0011

Winter Wren has been split into two species, the eastern Winter Wren and the western Pacific Wren.  Since they have only been recently split, their distribution in Arizona is poorly known.  Pacific Wren is thought to be the more regular of the two forms in Arizona and Winter Wren was thought to be a rare visitor.  However, last winter saw numerous reports of Winter Wren.  Either last year was unusual or we are learning that Winter Wren is more regular than previously thought. 

Pale throat and white spots on the back point toward Eastern Winter Wren rather than Pacific which would be darker overall.

05 December 0011, photo by Arlene Ripley

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