Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis), Santa Cruz River at Clark's Crossing, Santa Cruz County

This Winter Wren was photographed by Michael Lester on 3 December 2012 along the Santa Cruz River at Clark's Crossing. A Pacific Wren was reported being seen by Ronna Laager on 11/30/12, and then again by Laurens Halsey the morning of 12/3/12. However, this bird has not been photographed or relocated.

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, there have been about equal numbers of both species reported since the split, so we may be learning that Winter Wren is more regular than previously thought.

Wren with very short tail. Overall lighter brown than typical Pacific Wren. Pale throat and breast. Spotting on back

03 December 2012, photo by Michael Lester

All photos are copyrighted© by photographer