Canyon Wren
Catherpes mexicanus

Content and photos by James Giroux

There are few sounds that can warm a birder’s heart like the call of a Canyon Wren. Perfectly crafted for its habitat, the call echoes off canyon walls, and brings a smile to the face. The song starts on a high pitch at a fast pace, and as it descends in pitch the pace slows down – like an echo. Both the male and female sing, and they can often be heard in duet. Like many other wrens, this small bird has a powerful voice that carries over long distances.

There are ten Wren species in North America, and their collective ranges cover all of the lower 48 states. The range of the Canyon Wren covers most of Mexico and most of the western U.S. – from Central Texas to Washinton state, and even into Canada.

As its name implies, it typically lives in canyons or in areas with cliffs.  Its long slender bill and flat head are perfectly designed for probing rocky nooks and crannies for small insects. Those insects seem to provide all the water this bird needs, because this species has not been observed drinking.

The Canyon Wren nests in rock crevices or ledges, but will sometimes choose to nest around human structures. The bird in the feature photo and photo below was nesting underneath a small cabin – not far from a rocky cliff –  in Edwards county where I spent a few nights. Every morning – just like a rooster – this bird announced the sunrise, loud and clear.

A great place to hear and see this bird in Austin is Commons Ford Park. But unlike most of the birds you find at Commons Ford, you won’t find the Canyon Wren in the grassy prairie. Hike up the hillside away from the river, and with a little luck, you will hear the distinctive song. Once you have heard it, you will never forget it.

Sources:

https://allaboutbirds.org
https://eBird.org