Gene Hunn wrote:

Dave, Tweets,

One possibility for confusion if the back pattern is not clearly
visible is Marsh Wren, which in winter can turn up away from the
usual habitat.
-------------------------------

One reason for this confusion is that western Washington Marsh Wrens
are very drably patterned compared with some of the bright eastern
subspecies that have long been illustrated in field guides. Our WA
Marsh Wrens can look even duller and less patterned than the
"Western" Marsh Wren illustrated in Sibley's books, especially in
worn plumage.

A quick and sure distinction when you can't see the back is that
House Wrens have at least faintly barred sides, Marsh Wrens unbarred.
The sides can be partially hidden by the wings, of course. The
secondaries of House Wrens are evenly barred brown and black, while
the secondaries of a Marsh wren have a patch of black and white bars.
The supercilium is usually conspicuous in a Marsh Wren but sometimes
more obscure, like a House Wren.
-----
Dennis Paulson
1724 NE 98 St.
Seattle, WA 98115
206-528-1382
dennispaulson at comcast.net



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