Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2021-19
| Common name: |
Winter Wren |
| Scientific name: | Troglodytes hiemalis |
| Date: | January 8, 2021 |
| Time: | 11:32 |
| Length of time observed: | Visuals and audibles off and on for 15 minutes. |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Unknown |
| Sex: | Unknown |
| Location: | Willard Bay State Park (North Campground) |
| County: | Box Elder |
| Latilong: | 41.418991 -112.056744 |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | 5 ft |
| Optical equipment: | 10x42 Nikon Monarch Binoculars, Swarovski 20x60 spotting scope, Canon 7D w/ 100-400mm lens. |
| Weather: | Sunny, 20% cloud cover. |
| Light Conditions: | Observed at close range with sun at my back. |
| Description: Size of bird: | |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Tiny wren with very short tail, consistently held upright. Dark, ochre-brown
back half (tail, wings, flanks) with lighter brown head and breast – colder
tones overall. Less warm/buffy coloration than expected for Pacific Wren. Audibles used to confirm ID. Giving song-sparrow like calls and two other call types from dense vegetation; very skulky, fast-moving, and generally staying low to the ground. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | 3 call-types heard, all of which sounded “off” for a Pacific. See Video – this call type was used most frequently and reminded me of a particular chip done by Song Sparrows. “Jeet” calls, huskier and more nasal than Pacific Wren. |
| Behavior: | Very skulky, fast-moving, generally staying low to the ground. |
| Habitat: | Dense foliage and brush near flowing stream. |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
House Wren: Darker brown and less uniform in overall coloration; much shorter
tailed. Distinctive audibles ruled out House Wren. Pacific Wren: Lack of warm/buffy-brown coloration. Vocalizations were the most determining factor in ID. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Have encountered Winter Wren >5 times total, the most recent prior to this sighting, being in November of 2020. Much more experience with Pacific Wren across the west coast. |
| References consulted: | Sibley Guide to Birds (App) |
| Description from: | NOTES TAKEN AT TIME OF SIGHTING |
| Observer: | Kendall Watkins |
| Observer's address: | 2622 W Dry Creek Drive, Riverton, 84065 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | None that I know of. |
| Date prepared: | March 12, 2021 |
| Additional material: | Photos Video |
| Additional comments: |