Documentation of
Carolina Wren
2005-170
Observer Information
Reporter:
Norm Lewis
E-mail:
Other Observers:
None; I was the original finder.
Species, Date, Time and Location Information
Species:
Carolina Wren
First Date/Time:
8/15/2005
Last Date/Time:
Duration (total time in view):
45 minutes
County:
Jefferson
Specific Location:
852 S. Deframe Way, Lakewood
Number:
1
Age:
Unknown
Sex:
Unknown
Plumage:
Other/Unknown
Habitat
The bird was in my backyard, which has been prepared as bird habitat. It spent most of its time in brush piles.
Viewing Conditions
Optics:
Swift Audubon 8.5x44 binoculars.
Distance:
50
Light:
Perfect observing conditions- the sun was low in the west, shining over the shoulder of the observer, so that the bird was in bright illumination.
Description of the Bird
The bird had the characteristic wren profile, with cocked tail, and was very active. It was rich red-brown on the upperparts, with a prominent white supercilium. The breast and belly were paler than most C. Wrens I have seen, leading me to believe that this was a juvenile bird. The bill was long and noticeably decurved. The bird gave the impression of being "chubby".
The only bird with which the Carolina Wren could be confused is Bewick's Wren. The undertail of this bird was a solid brown-red with some barring, lacking both the distinctive undertail pattern of the Bewick's, and the white tips on the outer rectrices.
Behaviors: The bird was very active, and spent the entire time I observed it flitting in and out of brush piles. It was gleaning leaves and twigs as it moved through the pile.
Call: silent
Plumage: probable juvenal
Similar Species Discussion
As mentioned above, the only species with which this bird could be confused is Bewick's Wren. The bright red-brown color, shorter tail, and lack of distinctive Bewick's tail pattern were sufficient to eliminate the Bewick's.
Resources Used
I have seen many Carolina Wrens in Indiana (my home state) and in Texas. The bird stayed long enough for me to refer to both the Sibley and National Geographic field guides while I was observing it.
Previous Experience
I have seen hundreds of Carolina Wrens in the localities mentioned above.
Notes
Notes made DURING observation
Materials Available
No files uploaded.
Date Documentation Submitted
8/19/2005 12:26:00 AM