How Do You Identify North American Wrens?
There are about 9 types of wren in North America. These birds usually are secretive, nesting in holes, trees or birdhouses. Their short down-turned bills make them excellent insect-catchers. Follow these steps to spot one. Listen for the song of the wren. It is unusually loud for such a diminutive bird. The House Wren has a harsh, scolding call, whereas the Winter Wren’s song is more squeaky. Others, such as the Marsh Wren, utter a scraping, dry sound. The Canyon Wren’s call is high and ringing, echoing around its habitat. Cactus Wrens are noisy and are usually heard in groups. Observe the color of the birds. They are usually brown, though the birds in the Eastern states, such as the Carolina Wren, are more richly colored. The Rock Wren is much paler, with a rusty colored tail. Notice where these birds live. They dwell mainly in cavities and move actively through dense woodland. The Rock Wren lives in rocky desert country and makes a “pavement” in front of its nest out of pebbles. Spot
