Watercolor portrait of Wrentit (Chamaea fasciata)

Wrentit

Chamaea fasciata
Wrentits live year-round along the Pacif… Look for it in dense chaparral, coastal… Fairly Common Bouncing-ball song

Learn to identify the Wrentit by ear. Master the "Ping... ping-ping-ping-ping" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“Ping... ping-ping-ping-ping”

What the Wrentit sounds like

The Wrentit is a little brown mystery bird of Pacific Coast brushlands. It creeps through tangles with its long tail cocked and pale eye glowing, then gives a bouncing song that sounds like a ping-pong ball slowing down.

“Ping... ping-ping-ping-ping”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A short series of notes that speeds up and drops in pitch, like a ping-pong ball bouncing to a stop on a table. Often written as “Ping... ping-ping-ping-ping”.
Don't confuse with:The Bushtit — bushtits travel in busy flocks, while wrentits are usually alone or in pairs.

Where you'll hear it

Look for it in dense chaparral, coastal sage scrub, blackberry thickets, and brushy canyon edges. It loves places where shrubs knit together into a hiding place.

Spring is the best time to hear them, when males sing from exposed shrub tops at dawn. The rest of the year they stay busy but secretive, slipping low through cover in pairs or family groups.

Similar species

Bushtit

Bushtits travel in busy flocks, while Wrentits are usually alone or in pairs.

Bewick's Wren

Bewick's Wren shows a bold white eyebrow that Wrentit lacks.

California Thrasher

California Thrasher is much larger with a long curved bill.

Wrentit song FAQ

What does a Wrentit sound like?
A short series of notes that speeds up and drops in pitch, like a ping-pong ball bouncing to a stop on a table. Listen for the "Ping... ping-ping-ping-ping" phrase.
How do I tell a Wrentit from a Bushtit by sound?
Bushtit: Bushtits travel in busy flocks, while Wrentits are usually alone or in pairs.; Bushtits are smaller, grayer, and more active out on twig tips.; Wrentits have a longer tail and a richer, bouncing song..
When is the best time to hear a Wrentit?
Spring is the best time to hear them, when males sing from exposed shrub tops at dawn. The rest of the year they stay busy but secretive, slipping low through cover in pairs or family groups.