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House Wren


Picture
The House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) is 4.75 inches long.  It is a plan bird with grayish brown upperparts, narrow black barring on the wings, tail, sides, and lower belly.  It has pale gray underparts, a thin, slightly decurved bill, a narrow, pale eye ring, and a pale streak above the eye.  The female looks similar to the male.

The song of the House Wren is an energetic, flute-like trill.  It is a relatively tame bird that often cocks its tail upward.

The House Wren is considered common in open woods, shrubs, farms, gardens, and parks.  It eats various insects, millipedes, and some snails.  It will nest in man-made bird houses.   As part of the courtship ritual, the male starts several dummy nests in his territory.  The female then inspects them and selects one to complete for nesting.

Click here for a range map and additional information.

Click on the player below for House Wren vocalizations.