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Canyon Wren

Catherpes mexicanus
Passeriformes
Members of this diverse group make up more than half of the bird species worldwide. Most are small. However their brains are relatively large and their learning abilities are greater than those of most other birds. Passerine birds are divided into two suborders, the suboscines and the oscines. Oscines are capable of more complex song, and are considered the true songbirds. In Washington, the tyrant flycatchers are the only suboscines; the remaining 27 families are oscines.
Troglodytidae
The wrens of northern North America are small, brown birds, which make up for their drab colors with their complex songs. Active foragers, they generally search for food low in the understory or on the ground, where they use their narrow bills to probe in crevices for insects and spiders. They are usually solitary or in pairs and do not form flocks. Most species lay eggs in enclosed areas, either in cavities or covered nests. Usually the male begins a number of nests, which typically have coarse foundations upon which the actual nest cups may later be built. The female then selects one nest and completes it. Incubation is usually by the female alone, although both parents feed the young. One odd practice of wrens is their tendency to puncture the eggs of other birds, both of their own and other species. One theory to explain this, as well as the multiple nests, is that wrens strive to increase the number of empty nests in their territory. This may protect them from predators that might abandon an area after finding most of the nests empty. Many wrens hold their tails cocked up over their backs. Since many other birds also do this, the posture is by no means diagnostic of wrens.
Fairly common and local resident east.
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    General Description

    The Canyon Wren has a distinctive, clear, white throat patch that stands out against its reddish-brown body. Its back is speckled with light markings, and its tail is barred with black. Its head is gray, and its long bill curves down slightly.

    Habitat

    More restricted in habitat than the other steppe-zone wren, the Rock Wren, the Canyon Wren is found almost exclusively in steep canyons and large boulder fields that are associated with the moving water of streams and rivers, or with large wetlands that do not go dry during the summer.

    Behavior

    The Canyon Wren's long bill and flat head enable it to reach deep into crevices to find prey. While foraging, it hops around in and out of rock piles. The Canyon Wren's beautiful descending song is unique and memorable.

    Diet

    Insects and spiders make up the majority of the Canyon Wren diet.

    Nesting

    Male Canyon Wrens defend their territories and attract females by singing. The monogamous pair bond may hold throughout the year and extend into multiple nesting seasons. Both male and female build the nest, which is usually in a hole or crevice in the rocks. They start with a foundation of twigs, bark, and other coarse items, then build a cup of softer materials such as grass, moss, spider webs, and hair. The female incubates the clutch of eggs, which can vary from 4 to 6, but usually consists of 5 eggs. Incubation lasts for 12 to 18 days. Both parents feed the young, which leave the nest at about 15 days, but may remain near the parents for several more weeks.

    Migration Status

    Canyon Wrens are permanent residents in Washington, although in winter they may move away from cliffs into dense vegetation especially along streams, and to lower elevations. They are sensitive to low temperatures, and in years with severe winters, their numbers may decline.

    Conservation Status

    The rocky habitat of the Canyon Wren is not well represented in the Breeding Bird Survey, so long-term trends are difficult to determine, although there is some indication of a recent decline. Canyon Wrens are currently common within their habitat, although their range is limited and patchily distributed, which could make recovery difficult if they were to decline significantly.

    When and Where to Find in Washington

    An eastern Washington species, Canyon Wrens are rare in western Washington. There are no known nesting records on the western side of the state, although Canyon Wrens have been recorded nesting in Pierce, Whatcom, and Pacific Counties. In the deep canyons of eastern Washington's steppe zone, and at low elevations on the eastern slope of the Cascades, Canyon Wrens are fairly common. Associated with streams and rivers, Canyon Wrens are known to breed in canyons and coulees on the Columbia, Okanogan, Snake, Spokane, Yakima, and Grande Ronde Rivers. They can be found on cliffs in Oak Creek and Selah Canyons in Yakima County; Rock Creek, Rowland, and Locke Lakes in Klickitat County; the Spokane River in Spokane County; and on the cliffs near the Walla Walla River delta (Walla Walla County). In Grant County, they nest in rocks adjacent to wetlands at Lake Lenore, Soap Lake, and the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge.

    Abundance Code DefinitionsAbundance

    C=Common; F=Fairly Common; U=Uncommon; R=Rare; I=Irregular
    EcoregionJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
    Oceanic
    Pacific Northwest Coast
    Puget Trough
    North Cascades
    West Cascades
    East CascadesRRRUUUUUURRR
    OkanoganUUUUUUUUUUUU
    Canadian Rockies
    Blue MountainsRRUUUUUUUUUR
    Columbia PlateauUUUUUUUUUUUU

    Washington Range Map

    North American Range Map

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    Family Members

    Federal Endangered Species ListAudubon/American Bird Conservancy Watch ListState Endangered Species ListAudubon Washington Vulnerable Birds List

    View full list of Washington State's Species of Special Concern