GAP Analysis Predicted Distribution Map

Marsh Wren (Cistothorus palustris)

Species Code: CIPA

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

Map with Breeding Bird Atlas records

Other maps & Information:

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

The Marsh Wren is common at lower elevations in wetlands with emergent vegetation, including natural cattail marshes, in wetlands invaded by exotic plant species, salt marshes, roadside ditches, and small wetlands created by agricultural runoff.

The Ponderosa Pine, Interior Douglas-fir,Grand Fir, and steppe zones within its range limits were core in eastern Washington. Interior Redcedar and Interior Western Hemlock were peripheral. Zones below silver fir in western Washington were core. All wetlands were good habitats, and irrigated agriculture in west-side zones was adequate.

Washington breeders represent two subspecies, C.p.plesius of eastern Washington and C.p.paludicola of western Washington. Although the Marsh Wren is very restricted in terms of it habitat, requiring marshes with emergent vegetation, it is abundant wherever this habitat occurs. In eastern Washington Marsh Wrens are local but may be abundant. They occur in the wetlands of Grant and western Adams Counties, in the Yakima Valley, in lakes through Grand Coulee, and along the Columbia River in marshy areas south to Oregon. In northeastern Washington, this species is fairly local in small ponds with emergent vegetation, and is apparently absent from the Columbia and Pend Oreille River valleys.

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