Marin CA: Marsh Wren - Cistothorus palustris

The cattails around Pond #1 at Las Gallinas (San Rafael, California) provide rich habitat for a thriving population of Marsh Wrens. This year there seems to be a singing male singing on territory about every 15-20 yards as you walk along the levee. Better still, the exuberant males climb high to make sure their voice is heard, even over the incessant mindless honking of Canada Geese, as seen here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vf2pZrO7YlQ

Marsh Wren - a male singing on territory. Some softness from wind and motion.

This view of the Marsh Wren gives us a good look at the bill.

Windy conditions soften these photos a bit, but those selected show some features reasonably well. The streaks on the back clearly separate Marsh Wren from Bewick's Wren, which sometimes forages near the marsh but is more like seen in nearby trees. Both species have the distinct white line about the eye (supercillium). Marsh Wren tends to cock its tail more upright, sometimes even past 90 degrees. Front view shows the whitish underparts. The bill is said to be longer than the similar Sedge Wren, Cistothorus platenis, a cousin seen in eastern marshes. Marsh Wren was once called "Long-billed Marsh Wren" to set it off from the Sedge Wren in eastern marshes (then "Short-billed Marsh Wren"), where both species may be found.

Marsh Wren nest - Often easy to spot. The male will build many of them in his territory.

Marsh Wrens eat insects, are sedentary in many areas of the west, migratory elsewhere. Our western birds have the most varied gurgling/chittering song repertoire, which can include 100+ variations, and are more likely to be polygynous. The male Marsh Wren builds the nest, including some "dummy" nests. Many are visible right now.

Found a new (to me) source that is very helpful: http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/id/framlst/i7250id.html

Taxonomy:

Order: Passeriformes - Perching Birds - 5,000+, i.e. more than 50% of all avian species

Family: Troglodytidae - Wrens - about 80 species worldwide, including 10 in the U.S. (the latest is the Pacific Wren, split from the Winter Wren).

Genus: Cistothorus - 4 species. Besides our Marsh and Sedge Wrens there is Apolinar's Wren in Columbia and the Paramo Wren of nw Venezuela.

Species: Cistothorus palustris - Marsh Wren. Range includes southern Canada, and most areas of U.S. and Mexico, wherever you find a marsh. About 15 subspecies, including our C.p. aestuarinus. Some speculate that the species may be split into Eastern and Western Marsh Wrens, much like Winter Wren was split.