photo by NEBRASKAland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Salpinctes obsoletus
L 6″ (15 cm). Sexes similar.

Song or calls:
Listen (NGPC audio)

Loud “ki-deeeee.” Song is series of trilling notes on one pitch, cricket-like in quality. 

Description: Finely mottled gray above, with contrasting rust-colored rump; light eye-stripe; and fine streaking on pale breast. Outer tail feathers have buffy tips. Frequently bobs its head, especially when alarmed.

Behavior: Frequently constructs a path of pebbles or rock chips leading to its nest. The purpose of this behavior is not understood.

Habitat: Found on eroded slopes and badlands, rocky outcrops, cliff walls, and similar arid environments.

Where in Nebraska: Common spring and fall migrant and summer resident in western Nebraska, becoming rarer in the east.

Fun Facts: Rock Wrens usually build a walkway of small pebbles that lead to its nest cavity.

 
(click image for larger view)