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| Canyon wren | |
|---|---|
 | |
| in Madera Canyon, Arizona | |
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Troglodytidae |
| Genus: | Catherpes Baird, 1858 |
| Species: | C. mexicanus |
| Binomial name | |
| Catherpes mexicanus (Swainson, 1829) | |
 | |
Thecanyon wren (Catherpes mexicanus) is a smallNorth American songbird of thewrenfamilyTroglodytidae. It is resident throughout its range and is generally found in arid, rocky cliffs, outcrops, and canyons. It is a small bird that is hard to see on its rocky habitat; however, it can be heard throughout the canyons by its distinctive, loud song. It is currently in amonotypic taxon and is the only species in the genusCatherpes.
The taxonomy of the species has been altered and debated for many years, with from three to eleven subspecies being proposed at various times. Generally, three subspecies are recognized. Originally in the genusThryothorus, it was moved into the genusSalpinctes along with therock wren (Salpinctes obsoletus), where some researchers still place it; however, generally, now, the species is in the only species in the genusCatherpes.
The three generally recognized subspecies are:
These subspecies are distinguished by the bill ofC. m. albifrons which is generally longer than that ofC. m. mexicanus, and its plumage paler, with upperparts more grayish brown, with narrower black bars on tail. InC. m. conspersus the plumage is paler and it is smaller thanC. m. mexicanus.[2]
Resident, although individuals may make short seasonal movements. It ranges from southernBritish Columbia in theOkanagan Valley and western and southernIdaho and southernMontana south through centralWyoming,Colorado throughout much ofMexico south to westernChiapas. It occurs east to southwestOklahoma and in theEdwards Plateau of west-centralTexas. Disjunct populations occur in the Black Hills of southwestSouth Dakota, northeast Wyoming and southeast Montana. During the winter season the distribution is generally the same; however, concentrations may occur in theChihuahuan Desert of southwestTexas.[3]
Similar to therock wren in habitat, the canyon wren prefers steeper rocky environments, particularly in arid landscapes and deep canyons and terrain (sometimes including buildings, woodpiles, and rock fences). This species regularly uses riparian areas for foraging and has bred away from rocky substrate.[4]
The canyon wren feeds on small insects and spiders. Since they live on large rocks, they use their long beaks to scope out small crevices. They also get their source of liquid from the insects they consume.
It feeds oninsects andspiders by probing into crevices with its longbill. Its coloration is rustier than that of therock wren, with a contrasting white throat and breast. The canyon wren is more often heard than seen, and its falling series of whistles is one of the more familiar bird calls of the canyons of the western United States.
It builds a cupnest out of twigs and other vegetation in a rock crevice. It lays 4 to 6eggs, white with reddish brown and gray speckles.
