Species BirdsRock Wren

Rock Wren

Salpinctes obsoletus

CommonBird
Illustration of Rock Wren (Salpinctes obsoletus)

The Rock Wren is a pale, finely barred wren of rocky slopes and talus fields that constructs a small stone 'pavement' of pebbles and bone fragments at the entrance to its nest cavity — a behavior unique among North American birds. It bobs up and down repeatedly when alarmed, giving a mechanical buzzing call. It can survive without drinking water by metabolizing moisture from its insect prey.

Habitat
Rocky slopes, talus fields, desert cliffs, and boulder piles
Diet
Insects and spiders from rock crevices and surfaces
How common
Common

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