Wrentit Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesWrentit
Plump birds with a long tail and tiny bill. Plain brownish-gray with paler, slightly streaked, pale pinkish bellies. Note pale eye.
© Matt Davis / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, May 13, 2018© Paul Fenwick / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, September 13, 2020
© Mike Charest / Macaulay LibraryOregon, January 20, 2018
Small and plump with a long tail and pale eye. Brownish gray overall with a lightly streaked, pinkish belly.
© Bob Friedrichs / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, January 27, 2017© Catherine Zinsky / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, April 19, 2020
Plump bird with a long tail that it often holds up away from its body.
© Georgia Doyle / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, November 30, 2015Found in coastal scrub and chaparral along the West Coast. Interior birds found in thickets along creeks, oak woodlands, mixed-evergreen forests, and dense shrublands.
© Mary Hansen / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, February 02, 2017Similar SpeciesBushtit
Male (Pacific)
Bushtits are smaller than Wrentits—about the size of a kinglet, whereas Wrentits are sparrow sized. Bushtits have smaller features all around: smaller bills, shorter legs, and smaller heads. Bushtits are also more active and easier to see than Wrentits.
© Caroline Lambert / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, January 28, 2016Similar SpeciesOak Titmouse
Adult/immature
Oak Titmice have crests and shorter tails than Wrentits. Titmice also forage actively in trees and shrubs whereas Wrentits tend to stay hidden in shrubs.
© Ken Chamberlain / Macaulay LibraryOregon, March 14, 2017Rotate Your Device to Better Compare
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