rock wren

American  

noun

1. an American wren, Salpinctes obsoletus, inhabiting the foothills, badlands, and mesa country of the western U.S. and Mexico.

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Etymology

Origin of rock wren

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Example Sentences

Here also dwelt the rock wren, a little bird that was new to me and that I had not found in the latitude of Colorado Springs either east or west of the continental divide.

From Birds of the Rockies by Keyser, Leander S. (Leander Sylvester)

Of the wrens, both the rock wren and the canyon wren are occasionally seen, the peculiar song of the latter bringing a thrill of cheer to those who are familiar with its falling chromatic scale.

From The Lake of the Sky Lake Tahoe in the High Sierras of California and Nevada, its History, Indians, Discovery by Frémont, Legendary Lore, Various Namings, Physical Characteristics, Glacial Phenomena, Geology, Single Outlet, Automobile Routes, Historic Towns, Early Mining Excitements, Steamer Ride, Mineral Springs, Mountain and Lake Resorts, Trail and Camping Out Trips, Summer Residences, Fishing, Hunting, Flowers, Birds, Animals, Trees, and Chaparral, with a Full Account of the Tahoe National Forest, the Public Use of the Water of Lake Tahoe and Much Other Interesting Matter by James, George Wharton

Let us return to the first rock wren I saw.

From Birds of the Rockies by Keyser, Leander S. (Leander Sylvester)