This wren is easily recognized by its long tail, which it flips side to side. Also by its bold whitish supercilium, and by its loud scolding vocalizations. Upperparts are fairly plain, and range in color from warm reddish brown to dull gray-brown. The tail is proportionally longer than those of other wrens, is finely barred, and has white speckles on the outer tail feathers. The underparts are pale gray, lighter on the throat. Juveniles may show a faint scaly pattern on the breast.

Length: 13 (cm) Wingspan: 18 (cm)

Voice:

Songs vary by region, but all contain rising buzzy notes and slow trills.

Habitat:

Scrub thickets, open woods, riparian corridors, chaparral.

Behavior:

Active, but usually stays close to cover and relatively close to the ground.

Feeding:

Gleans insects from ground, foliage, and tree trunks.