Information on the Wren Bird

Small and twittery with rounded head and chubby body, few species are better known than the wren. The most widespread songbird in the Western Hemisphere, the wren is bubbly and energetic and has a melodious call. However, the wren is also ruthlessly competitive and aggressive toward other birds.

  1. Appearance

    • The wren's tail is long and usually tipped up.

      Small, compact and short-winged, the wren is smaller than a sparrow. It has a flat head with a long, curved beak. Typically, it cocks its tail above the line of the body. Its coloring is plain, brown with a gray throat and chest, although different species in this large family have bolder markings.

    Distribution

    • From the snowy north of Canada to the southernmost tip of South America, the wren is widespread throughout the Western Hemisphere. Those dwelling in the north migrate to Mexico during the winter. Only one species of wren is found outside the Americas, the Troglodyte or Winter Wren, which is also found in Europe, Asia and Africa.

    Nesting

    • Wrens will readily use box nests.

      A male wren will claim a nesting territory and choose several eligible nesting areas. Any cavity seems to work for the wren, from empty woodpecker holes to old cans, boots or boxes lying around your yard. He may take over other birds' areas, and sometimes pierces other birds' eggs with his beak. Once he has acquired several sites, he builds nests in each.

    Attracting a Mate

    • The male sings to attract a mate. His preferred perch is more than 75 feet off the ground, and he can sing 600 songs an hour. Females arrive and inspect the different males' proposed nests, apparently selecting her mate on the basis of his nest-site selection.

    Infidelity

    • The male wren sings from a high position to attract a mate.

      Once the female has laid eggs, however, the male goes in search of other company. He may fly low over different wren nests, seeking to mate with females already claimed by other males. He may sing from the top of a tree to attract a second female. However, the male will not aid the second female to raise their family, dedicating his efforts entirely to the first nest.