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Overview
Northern house wren

Northern house wren

Wikipedia

The northern house wren is a very small passerine in the wren family Troglodytidae. It is found in southern Canada, the USA and Mexico. It occurs in most suburban areas in its range. It formerly included many subspecies resident in South America and in the Caribbean that are now considered as separate species. The name troglodytes means "hole dweller", and is a reference to the bird's tendency to disappear into crevices when hunting insects or to seek shelter.

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Distribution

Region

North America

Typical Environment

Breeds widely from southern Canada through most of the United States into parts of northern and central Mexico, and winters southward into the southern U.S. and Mexico. Favors forest edges, open woodlands, shrubby thickets, riparian corridors, and suburban yards and parks. Common around human habitation where nest sites and brushy cover are available. Uses natural cavities, old woodpecker holes, nest boxes, and crevices in buildings for nesting.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 3000 m

Climate Zone

Temperate

Characteristics

Size11–13 cm
Wing Span15–18 cm
Male Weight0.011 kg
Female Weight0.01 kg
Life Expectancy3 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

A tiny, energetic wren that thrives around people, readily nesting in birdhouses, fence posts, and crevices. Males often build several 'dummy' stick nests to attract a mate and defend territory. Its scientific genus name, Troglodytes, means 'hole-dweller,' reflecting its cavity-nesting habits. Despite its size, it sings a remarkably loud, bubbly song.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo
Audubon's illustration of nesting house wrens

Audubon's illustration of nesting house wrens

House Wren peering out from a nesting box

House Wren peering out from a nesting box

Behaviour

Temperament

energetic and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with low, darting flights

Social Behavior

Primarily monogamous but males may build multiple nests within a territory. Strong cavity nester that readily uses nest boxes and natural holes. Aggressively defends nest sites and may remove material from competing nests. Both parents feed the young after hatching.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

A loud, bubbly series of trills and gurgling phrases delivered in rapid succession. Scolding harsh churrs and chatters are common when alarmed near the nest.

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