Sinaloa Wren

The Sinaloa Wren is a bird of western Mexico, primarily inhabitating tropical deciduous forest clearings and edges.  The bird was unknown in the United States until 2008.  In August of 2008, one was found in Santa Cruz County in Arizona.  A second bird was found in Huachua Canyon in Arizona the following spring.  There are some indications the species has been expanding its range northward in Mexico, with known populations only 40 miles south of the U.S. border, so future sightings may be expected.  Note the species was formerly known as the "Bar-vented Wren".

Habitat: Sinaloa Wrens are found in tropical deciduous forest, most often in and around forest edges and forest clearings and nearby undergrowth and shrubbery.   

Diet: Diet is composed primarily of insects.

Behavior: The species often forages in vegetation, and can be easier to hear than to see. Foraging is often done alone, although sometimes in pairs or very small loose groups.  Most foraging is done low in vegetation, relatively close to the ground.

Nesting: Like other wren species, the Sinaloa Wren male often builds multiple nests in order to attract a female.  Click here for photos of a Arizona vagrant Sinaloa Wren and its attempt to attract a female.

Song: Song of the Sinaloa Wren is variable but typically is a series of descending notes.

Migration: Non-migratory, considered a permanent resident throughout its normal range.

Interactive eBird Map: Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Sinaloa Wren sightings

Similar Species: Bewick's Wren, Carolina Wren, Happy Wren (not found in U.S.).

Conservation Status: Currently there are no major conservation concerns regarding the Sinaloa Wren.  The IUCN currrently considers the species as "Least Concern".

Further Information: 1) Cornell's Neotropical Birds - Sinaloa Wren

2) Arizona Field Ornithologists - Sinaloa Wren sighting

Photo Information: May 19th, 2009 - Santa Cruz, Arizona - Seabamirum - Photo licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

Additional Photos: Click on the images or photo names below for additional, higher-resolution photos of this species.

 

Click below for a higher-resolution map

South Dakota Status: Non-resident in South Dakota

Additional Sinaloa Wren Photos Coming Soon!