The Rock Wren 
But if the difference claimed were actually significant and constant, as is not impossible, 
it would still be too slight a matter to recognize in nomenclature. It is through such 
tithing of mint and anise that descriptive ornithology has brought itself into disrepute. 
Recognition Marks. —Warbler size; variegated fan-shaped tail, with broad 
buffy tips distinctive; rock-haunting habits. 
Nesting. — Nest: In crannies of cliffs at end of tunnels, in barranca walls, or 
even (Farallon Islands) in burrows in ground; of twigs, grasses, and rootlets; lined with 
rootlets, fine bark-strips, or hair; invariably approached by runway of rock-flakes or 
pebbles. Eggs: 5-7; white, sometimes immaculate, but usually sprinkled sharply and 
very sparingly with reddish brown. Av. size 18.3 x 13.7 (.72 x .54). Season: April- 
July, according to altitude; one or two broods. 
General Range. —Western United States and Mexico to Guatemala. 
Distribution in California. —Resident. Breeding in rupestrine associations, 
but chiefly in arid portions of the State from sea-level to snow-line; retires before the 
snows to Sonoran zones of valleys and deserts. Found on all the larger islands including 
the Farallons. 
Authorities.—Heermann (Troglodytes obsoletus ), Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 
ser. 2, ii., 1853, p. 263 (Calif.); Bryant, W.E., Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci., 2nd ser., i., 1888, 
p. 49 (Farallon Ids.; desc. nest and eggs; meas.); Willett, Pac. Coast Avifauna, no. 7, 
1912, p. 101 (s. Calif.; distr., nesting dates, etc.); Swarth, Condor, vol. xvi., 1914, p. 
211 (crit.; distr.; etc.); Grinnell, Univ. Calif. Pub. Zook, vol. xii., 1914, p. 208 (Lower 
Colorado Valley; occurrence, desc. nest, etc.). 
