Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis), Humboldt Canyon, off Flux Cayon, Patagonia Hills, Santa Cruz County

This Winter Wren was discovered and photographed by Alan Schmierer on 30 October 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 (see here), 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 (see here).

30 October 2010, photo by Alan Schmierer