Greetings All:
Plumage coloration and pattern varies extensively enough within both
species (Winter Wren and Pacific Wren) that I doubt a record would be
reviewable towards Pacific Wren without vocalizations. Field guide
notes tend to read along the lines of 'Pacific Wren trends darker
throated and breasted than Winter Wren' but, like all seasoned
birders, I dread the word 'trends' when used in this fashion.
That said, I have seen the long-billed form of Pacific Wren (native to
the Western Alaskan Islands) and it is strikingly large and
long-billed. This particular bird, once you remove the illusion
created by the dark streak on the log behind it, has a bill that
seems, to me, to fall within the range for Winter Wrens or Pacific
Wrens within the pacificus/salebrosus grouping.
Regards; Anthony Hewetson
