Thryomanes bewickii
The long, narrow tail of the Bewick's Wren waves gently from side to side as this small bird roams about. Almost mouse-like in its traveling, this wren curiously investigates all the nooks and crevices of its territory. The Bewick's Wren is one of the hardiest of its family; it routinely overwinters through much of its range. John James Audubon chose to honor Thomas Bewick in the name of this spirited bird. Bewick was an exceptionally talented wood engraver whom Audubon visited during one of his trips to England. |
I.D.: Sexes similar: long white eyebrow; long tail; gray-brown upperparts; light gray underparts; tail is trimmed with white spots; slender, downcurved bill. Size: L 51/4 in. (13 cm). Range: rare breeder in the southern U.S. Rockies. Habitat: shrublands, especially pinyon-juniper and sagebrush, in the foothills. Nesting: typically along the Pacific Coast and east of the Rockies to the Appalachians; often in a natural cavity or an abandoned woodpecker nest; also in bird boxes; nest is made with sticks and grass and lined with feathers; female incubates 5-7 eggs for up to 14 days. Feeding: gleans the ground and vegetation for insects, especially beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers and spiders. Voice: bold and clear chick-click, for me-eh, for you. Similar Species: Marsh Wren: heavily streaked back; shorter tail. House Wren: shorter tail; faint eyebrow. Rock Wren: gray crown and upper back; lacks the long white eyebrow. |
