GAP Analysis Predicted Distribution Map

Rock Wren (Salpinctes obsoletus)

Species Code: SAOB

Legend:
= Core Habitat
= Marginal Habitat

Breeding Range Map
The green area shows the predicted habitats for breeding only. The habitats were identified using 1991 satellite imagery, Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA), other datasets and experts throughout the state, as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project. Habitats used during non-breeding months and migratory rest-stops were not mapped.

Metadata (Data about data or how the map was made)

Click to enlarge distribution map

Other maps & Information:

Breeding Bird Atlas
NatureMapping observations
during breeding season
NatureMapping observations
throughout the year

This species is locally common in rocky canyons, coulees, rocky outcroppings, clearcuts, and talus slopes in steppe and dry forest zones of eastern Washington. It is most common in the steppe regions, but also known to breed above the treeline in Alpine/Parkland rocky habitats and in clearcuts at high elevations in the Blue Mountains.

Good habitat in core zones included all cliffs, rocks, unvegetated areas, river, riparian habitat, and steppe areas (adjacent to major rivers) in steppe zones of eastern Washington and in the Ponderosa Pine zone. In the Blue Mountains, forest openings and clearings were included in all forested zones. Non-forested habitats in the Alpine/Parkland zones along the Cascade crest were included peripherally. Non-forested habitats in the Alpine/Parkland zones along the Cascade crest were included peripherally.

The majority of WashingtonÕs Rock Wrens are in the arid Columbia Basin. During migrations, these birds can be found commonly at high elevations, e.g. above 6000 feet on the Wenatchee Mountains; at 5000 feet on Mt;. St. Helens; and at 6500 feet near White Pass (Lewis/Yakima Counties), but breeding records from those heights are less common. In the Blue Mountains, Rock Wrens breed in clearcuts up to high elevations; several were seen above 4000 feet in 1996.

Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Bird Volume by Uchenna Bright
Text edited by Gussie Litwer
Webpage designed by Dave Lester