Common Names:Canyon Wren
Habitat:Rocky Canyons and Cliffs. Old Stone Buildings.
Description:Sparrow sized. Dark Rust coloring above and below with very distinct White Throat and Upper Breast.
Comments: Known for its distinctive call of descending notes. Often heard and seldom seen in the Grand Canyon.

"a small North American wren, and is about 14.5 cm (5.75 inches) long. It ranges from far southern British Columbia and Montana south through much of Mexico to western Chiapas and east to Oklahoma and Texas. It is the only species in the genus Catherpes.

Similar to the Rock Wren in habitat and habits, the Canyon Wren prefers rocky environments near water, particularly in fairly dry country and steep terrain (sometimes including buildings). It feeds on insects and spiders by probing into crevices with its long bill. Its coloration is rustier than that of the Rock Wren, even on the belly, with a contrasting white throat and breast. The Canyon Wren is more often heard than seen, and its falling series of whistles is one of the more familiar bird calls of the canyons of the western United States.

It builds a cup nest out of twigs and other vegetation in a rock crevice. It lays 4 to 6 eggs, white with reddish brown and gray speckles" Source Wikipedia



Edited: 08/01/12 Source: Audubon Online Guides