It was formerly classified as a subspecies of the northern house wren (Troglodytes aedon) but is now commonly considered to be a separate species due to differences in plumage, voice, ecology and morphology.

The main confusion species is the grass wren which is smaller with a shorter bill, buff eyestripe and dark streaks on the back and head.

Cobb's wrens have a number of buzzing calls, and their song is a series of jumbled trills and whistles.

They are often found on beaches, searching among kelp and debris to find small invertebrates such as insects and amphipods.

The plight of Cobb's wren was recently brought to broader attention by being featured as Canon's endangered species of the month for the February 2009 issue of National Geographic Magazine.