photo by Phil Swanson

Thryomanes bewickii
L 5 1/4″ (13 cm).

Song or calls:
Listen (NGPC audio)

Song is a variable high, thin buzz and warble. Calls include a flat, hollow “chip.”

Description: Sexes similar. Unpatterned warm brown above; white to grayish-white below; distinct long white eyestripe; white outer tips of tail feathers are conspicuous when the tail is fanned.

Behavior: Unique habit of slowly flicking the tail sideways.

Habitat: Found in open woodlands, brushy habitats, farmsteads, and towns. In the eastern part of their range they overlap with the House Wren in their habitats.

Where in Nebraska: Uncommon or rare spring and fall migrant and summer resident in southwestern Nebraska.

Status: Populations are sharply declining east of the Rockies, especially in areas east of the Mississippi.

Field Notes: Western birds are much grayer.

Fun Facts: Bewick’s Wren males learn their song while they still live within its parents territory but learns to mimick the neighboring males song. That song becomes their song for their whole life.