Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis), Santa Cruz River north of Santa Gertrudis Lane, Santa Cruz County

This Eastern Winter Wren was discovered by Alan Schmierer and Diane Touret on 09 December 2010 and photographed by Chris Benesh on 16 December 2010.

Winter Wren in North America was recently split into two species. The western form is now called Pacific Wren and the eastern form retains the name Winter Wren. Pacific Wren is rare but regular in winter in Arizona. The status of Winter Wren remains unclear. It has been reported about once a year for the last decade and three were documented last year on the AZFO site. Now that it has been designated a separate species, more reports will hopefully be forthcoming that will clarify its status.

The two species formerly known as Winter Wren are best separated by vocalization, but they do differ visually as well. Note especially the pale coloration on the throat and breast, which separates this Winter Wren from the darker Pacific Wren.

16 December 2010, photo by Chris Benesh

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