BEWICK'S WREN
Thryomanes bewickii
Order:  Passeriformes

Family:  Troglodytidae

 Alpha Code:  BEWR                AOU#  719.0

Band Size:  1
     The Bewick's Wren is common and vocal member of southern California, especially in the scrubland or chaparral that dominants the Santa Monica Mountains.  They seem to be more abundant in riparian habitats.  

     Like other wrens, it has a slightly downcurved bill and a long, uptilted  tail, which flits side-ways.  It is a smallish bird at 13 cm, and can be mistaken for the slightly smaller House Wren.  But the white eyeline and breast of the Bewick's Wren should quickly correct that.  The other smaller wrens are either not found in southern California or are not found in the same habitat (e.g. marsh wren).  Rock Wrens and Canyon Wrens are found in habitats that their names describe.

It is widespread across the Western states but absent in the north-central areas (Utah & Nevada).  It was apparently once more widespread across the south, but now absent east of the Mississippi River.  In southern California, it is a year-round resident.  

Bird Banding  Male and female Bewick's Wrens are equal by plumage, so sexing by CP/BP is the only way to go.  Pyle states that measurements are useful, but there is only a few mm at the extremes.  Ageing is difficult unless one is familiar with molt limits.  HY birds can be aged by skull.