Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis), Santa Cruz River at Santa Gertrudis Ln, Santa Cruz County

This Winter Wren was discovered and photographed by Michael Lester on 20 November 2012. It was approximately 200-300 meters north of Santa Gertrudis Ln on the east bank of the river.

Winter Wren has been split into two species, the eastern Winter Wren and the western Pacific Wren. Since they have only been recently split, their distribution in Arizona is poorly known. Pacific Wren is thought to be the more regular of the two forms in Arizona and Winter Wren was thought to be a rare visitor. However, there have been about equal numbers of both species reported since the split, so we may be learning that Winter Wren is more regular than previously thought.

Wren with very short tail. Overall lighter brown than typical Pacific Wren. Pale throat and breast. Faint spotting visible on back.

20 November 2012, photo by Michael Lester