Canyon Wren -- Catherpes mexicanus -- South Dakota Birds

The Canyon Wren is well named, as they are most often encountered along steep canyon walls and rock faces.  Their beautiful song is usually heard before the bird is seen, as they seem to disappear in and out of rocky crevices in search of insects.  They are learning to adapt to a human presence, and have begun nesting in and around buildings, especially those made of stone.

Habitat: They are usually around habitats with steep rocky slopes or canyon walls, often in areas with dense low growth (such as the base of a canyon wall), or in boulder piles, reservoir rip-rap, and occasionally around buildings.

Diet: Primarily feeds on insects and spiders.

Behavior: Forages by hopping around on the rock canyon walls, talus piles, or through dense undergrowth and thickets.  Much of the time is spent probing in crevices for insects and spiders.

Nesting: June and July

Breeding Map: Breeding bird survey map

Song: A liquid cascade of clear notes. 

Migrations: A permanent resident throughout its range in the western U.S. and Mexico.

Similar Species: Rock Wren

Status: Still common in many areas, but surveys have indicated some declines in recent decades.

Further Information: 1) Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Canyon Wren

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Canyon Wren"

3) E-nature.com: Canyon Wren

Photo Information: May 1st, 2004 -- Black Hills -- Doug Backlund

Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl

This page was last edited on 01/26/08