The wrentit is a small bird that lives in chaparral, oak woodlands, and bushland on the western coast of North America. It is the only species in the genus Chamaea.
Region
Pacific coast of North America
Typical Environment
Occurs along the coastal slope from southwestern Oregon through most of California into northwestern Baja California, Mexico. It favors dense chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and oak woodland understory with thick, tangled shrubs. The species also uses riparian thickets and brushy edges near canyons and foothills. It rarely crosses large gaps and is strongly tied to continuous shrub cover. In human-modified areas, it persists where native shrublands remain or have been restored.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Wrentit is the only species in the genus Chamaea and is famed for its bouncing-ball song that speeds up before stopping abruptly. It is highly sedentary, often spending its entire life within a small patch of dense scrub. Pairs are strongly territorial year-round and often remain bonded for multiple breeding seasons.
Wrentit in the Marin Headlands on the California coast.
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, reluctant flier staying low in shrubs
Social Behavior
Typically found as pairs that maintain small, permanent territories. Monogamous, with both sexes building a cup nest low in dense shrubs and sharing incubation and chick-rearing duties. Family groups may stay together briefly after fledging before young disperse locally.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A distinctive accelerating series of notes that resembles a bouncing ball coming to rest. Calls include sharp chips and scolds given from within cover, often revealing presence before the bird is seen.
