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Location: Anza Borrego State Park, CA
Date: 2004-01-18
Lens: Canon 400mm F5.6

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Rock Wren Salpinctes obsoletus


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.






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