Description:

The Rock Wren has the unusual habit of laying down a path of small pebbles in front of its nest. Their diet consists of insects. They can have a very complex array of songs.


Appearance:

Grayish upperparts with tiny black and white spots. Pale gray-brown underparts; becomes buff colored towards the tail. Pale gray supercilium. Thin, slightly downward curved bill. Pale brown rump. Long, barred tail with whitish or buffy colored tips. Dark legs. Sexes similar. 5 to 6.5 inches in length.


Habitat:

Rocky slopes, canyons, and cliffs in arid areas.


Nesting:

4-6 white eggs lightly marked with pale brown. The eggs have a ? day incubation period. Fledging occurs in ? days. The nest is shallow and made from plant fibers, roots, and feathers. The nest is usually built in a rock crevice or hollow stump.


Observed Locations:

• Yaqui Wells Trailhead, Anza Borrego Desert State Park
• Tamarisk Grove Campground, Anza Borrego Desert State Park
• Cliffs north of tidepools, Cabrillo National Monument, Point Loma