Sinaloa Wren (Thryothorus sinaloa), Upper Huachuca Canyon, Cochise County

This Sinaloa Wren was found by Ken Blankenship on 04 August 2018 and was photographed by Chris Harbard on 05 August 2018

Over nine days, four observers documented the behavior of this bird at its nest. It appeared to be a female which was spending half her time sitting on the nest and half the time out foraging. Detailed notes were taken for future publication. Two photographs of the bird and two of the nest are included. The bird was observed regularly until it was clear the nest had been abandoned. No second bird was ever seen.

This is a presumed returning bird and the first report for this location since early May 2016. This species is essentially a west Mexican endemic. It is regular in central Sonora and is reported to be expanding its range northward so that it now can be found within 30 miles of the US border.

ID is difficult based on these photos, but the pale supercilium and streaked auriculars are just visible. Regular breeding species of wrens at this location (Bewick's and House) are cavity nesters.

05 August 2018, photo by Chris Harbard