Population status

Canyon Wren
(Catherpes mexicanus)

The Canyon Wren is best monitored in Canada by the Christmas Bird Count, data from which suggests a large increase in population relative to 1970. The species was first reported in Canada in 1909, and the population remained small and localized in the south Okanagan Valley for many years (Cannings et al. 1987). The Canyon Wren was essentially extirpated from Canada by bitterly cold weather in January 1969; none were reported in the country until late in 1970 (Cannings et al. 1987). Since that date, the species has been consistently present in the Okanagan and adjacent valleys (Cannings et al. 1987, National Audubon Society 2010) with birds occasionally overwintering as far north as Kamloops. It is clear, therefore, that there has been a large increase in numbers since 1970. Results from the CBC across North America suggest a decrease in the continental population.

 

Picture of logo Christmas Bird Count (CBC)

Additional information on: Christmas Bird Count (CBC)

Table 1: Population trends by geographic area
Geographic areaTime PeriodAnnual trend Table 1 - footnote 1 Limits
LowerUpper
North America Select to view graph of the geographic area: North America 1965-2012; Christmas Bird Count (CBC)1965-2012-0.8-2.20.2
Canada Select to view graph of the geographic area: Canada 1965-2012; Christmas Bird Count (CBC)1965-20123.20.36
 

Breeding Bird Survey in North America (BBS) - U.S. analyses

Additional information on: Breeding Bird Survey in North America (BBS) - U.S. analyses

Table 2: Population trends by geographic area
Geographic areaTime PeriodAnnual trend Table 2 - footnote 1 Limits
LowerUpper
North America Select to view graph of the geographic area: North America 1966-2012; Breeding Bird Survey in North America (BBS) - U.S. analyses1966-20120-1.71.3
 

References