Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis), Cluff Ranch WMA, Graham County

This Winter Wren was found and photographed by Jeff Coker on 17 November 2014

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 regularly across the state, sometimes in equal numbers to Pacific Wrens. However, this pattern seems to vary year to year.

If accepted by the ABC, this would be the first record for Graham County.

Overall, Winter Wren tends to exhibit a variable patterned underside with a lighter/pale throat contrasting with darkly barred flanks, 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 wing coverts on this bird are arguably good for Winter Wren, as well. Determination is best made by call, and this bird was giving calls described as matching Winter Wren. It also responded to recordings of Winter Wren but not to those of Pacific Wren.

17 November 2014, photo by Jeff Coker

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