Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis), Agua Fria National Monument, Horseshoe Ford, Yavapai County

This Winter Wren was found and photographed by Bryan Patrick where Bloody Basin Rd crosses the Agua Fria at Horseshoe Ford on 13 December 2013

Since being split, the eastern Winter Wren and the western Pacific Wren have posed a formidable challenge for birders in determining definitive ID, visually. Although Pacific Wren is thought to be the expected of the two species in Arizona, Winter Wren continues to be reported across the state.

Overall, Winter Wren tends to exhibit a variable patterned underside with a lighter/pale throat as compared to Pacific Wren that tend to have a more uniform dark, chestnut-rufous throat continuing through its breast and underside. Showing of conspicuous white tips on the undertail and wing coverts on this bird are arguably good for Winter Wren, as well. Determination is best made by call and this bird clearer or deeper chip note that is consistent with Winter Wren whereas Pacific gives a sharper, high-pitched chip that sounds almost metallic and thin. (Inferior iPhone recordings were obtained).

13 December 2013, photo by Bryan Patrick

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