North America boasts a collection of 11 distinct wren species, with Saskatchewan being home to six of them. Among the wrens found in Saskatchewan, five species are regularly observed, while one occurrence is accidental. This informative guide aims to assist you in recognizing these charming creatures by their appearance and melodic calls.
During the summer in Saskatchewan, you can encounter House Wrens, Marsh Wrens, Sedge Wrens, Winter Wrens, and Rock Wrens. Additionally, keep an eye out for Pacific Wrens in this region. Wrens, despite their unassuming appearance, possess vibrant personalities. These small, plump birds don brown plumage, exhibiting an upright tail and powerful vocalizations.
Wrens primarily inhabit the New World, encompassing North and South America, with the exception of the Eurasian Wren, which thrives in Europe and Africa. These delightful birds belong to the Troglodyidae family.
Due to their preference for insects and spiders, wrens adapt to various environments, including arid and rocky regions with limited vegetation.
Previously, it was believed that Winter Wrens, Pacific Wrens, and Eurasian Wrens constituted a single species. However, recent studies have declared them as distinct species.
Throughout history, wrens have garnered connections to folklore and symbolism. In Europe, it was once believed that harming wrens would invite misfortune.
To aid you in identifying the wren species found in Saskatchewan, this guide references avibase data. The species are presented in order of frequency, as recorded by birdwatchers submitting checklists to ebird.
Saskatchewan is home to six wren species:
1. House Wren
During the breeding season, House Wrens are commonly spotted in Saskatchewan, featuring in 23% of summer checklists submitted by birdwatchers. Their presence extends from May to October, with migration occurring during the winter months.
These unremarkable-looking birds possess a round, nondescript appearance, with brown plumage adorned by darker barred wings and tails. Notably, male and female House Wrens exhibit no visual differences.
Key characteristic: Their eyestripes are less conspicuous than those of other wren species.
Scientific name: Troglodytes aedon
Length: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (10-12 g)
Wingspan: 5.9 inches (15 cm)
House Wrens typically breed in the United States and Southern Canada during the summer months. Foraging for insects and spiders, they can be observed energetically hopping through underbrush and low branches, their tails held high as they emit their cheerful melodies.
Beetles, caterpillars, flies, and even snail shells for calcium form the dietary preferences of House Wrens.
In terms of their song, House Wrens lack melodiousness but compensate with a series of jumbled notes that vary in pitch and speed.
Their nests can be found in old woodpecker holes, nest boxes, or other small crevices. House Wrens favor lightly wooded areas and construct nests using twigs, often lined with softer materials. A typical clutch consists of 3 to 10 eggs, which hatch after approximately two weeks. The chicks then require an additional two weeks to fledge.
Encouraging House Wrens to frequent your backyard involves creating brush piles or erecting nest boxes.
Interesting fact: Despite their small size, House Wrens display a fierce nature when competing for desirable nest holes, often resorting to harassing larger birds and even removing eggs or nestlings.
2. Marsh Wren
Marsh Wrens, found in 3% of summer checklists, grace Saskatchewan during their breeding season, spanning mid-April to October.
Sporting brown plumage adorned with black and white streaks on their backs, Marsh Wrens exhibit a grayish-brown underside. The defining characteristic of these wrens is their upright tail. Notably, both male and female Marsh Wrens share the same appearance.
Scientific name: Cistothorus palustris
Length: 3.9-5.5 inches (10-14 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.5 ounces (9-14 g)
Wingspan: 5.9 inches (15 cm)
Marsh Wrens breed in the northern states of the United States and central Canada before embarking on migrations toward the southern states and Mexico. Some individuals along the western and Atlantic coasts may remain resident year-round. During migration, they can be observed in the Eastern United States.
To spot Marsh Wrens, explore wetlands where they adroitly cling to reeds, utilizing their feet to grip separate stalks. While their camouflage can make them challenging to locate, their melodious songs, particularly during dawn and dusk, serve as helpful auditory indicators.
Feeding primarily on insects and spiders, Marsh Wrens hunt among leaves in close proximity to water bodies.
Their songs are characterized by distinctive buzzing, lasting for up to 20 minutes.
Marsh Wren nests are fully enclosed, featuring a small opening at the top. Woven from reeds and grasses, these nests typically contain 3 to 10 eggs. Hatching occurs after approximately two weeks, and fledging takes an additional two weeks.
Fascinating fact: Marsh Wrens are known to construct multiple dummy nests attached to cattails, although they ultimately utilize only one, destroying the eggs and nestlings of rival birds.
3. Sedge Wren
Sedge Wrens, observed in 2% of summer checklists, inhabit Saskatchewan during the breeding season from May to September.
These small brown wrens exhibit darker upper plumage with streaks and barring, contrasting with their paler underbellies. They possess a subtle light eyebrow stripe. As with other wren species, both males and females bear similar appearances.
Sedge Wrens share similarities with Marsh Wrens but can be distinguished by the absence of shoulder stripes and lighter-colored bellies. They prefer habitats comprising wet grasslands, marshy areas, and meadows rich in vegetation, often favoring shallower areas compared to Marsh Wrens.
Scientific name: Cistothorus stellaris
Length: 3.9-4.7 inches (10-12 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.3 ounces (7-10 g)
Wingspan: 4.7-5.5 inches (12-14 cm)
Southern Canada, the Midwest, and parts of the eastern United States serve as breeding grounds for Sedge Wrens. During winter, they migrate to southeastern states and northern Mexico near the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.
To locate Sedge Wrens, search within the hidden recesses of wet grasslands, marshes, and meadows teeming with vegetation. They predominantly target insects and spiders during their hunting endeavors.
Sedge Wrens produce a simple song consisting of a few short notes followed by a rapid series of similar pitches.
Remarkable fact: Sedge Wrens display territorial behavior, puncturing the eggs of neighboring Sedge Wrens that establish nests in close proximity.
4. Winter Wren
Although sightings of Winter Wrens in Saskatchewan are rare, these delightful creatures can be observed during the breeding season, spanning May to November.
Winter Wrens present as small, plump birds donning brown plumage with darker barring on their wings, tail, and belly. A paler eyebrow stripe adorns their features, and they exhibit short tails held in an upright position. Both males and females possess identical appearances.
Winter Wrens closely resemble Pacific Wrens and were initially believed to be the same species. However, they are now recognized as distinct species with unique songs.
Scientific name: Troglodytes hiemalis
Length: 3.1-4.7 inches (8-12 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (8-12 g)
Wingspan: 4.7-6.3 inches (12-16 cm)
Winter Wrens can be found in the eastern states of the United States during winter, while they inhabit northeastern states and Canada during summer.
To locate Winter Wrens, explore forests and backyards where tangled undergrowth prevails. They forage for insects and spiders amidst fallen leaves and decaying bark.
Winter Wrens emit a long, bubbly, and melodious song, distinct from the vocalizations of Pacific Wrens. Their captivating melodies can last up to 10 seconds.
Winter Wren nests are crafted using twigs, moss, and grass woven into a rounded shape with a small opening. Clutches typically consist of 1 to 9 eggs, which hatch after two to two and a half weeks. Fledging occurs within the same timeframe.
Attracting Winter Wrens to your backyard involves cultivating native plants and providing dense vegetation. Installing a nest box can also be beneficial.
Engaging fact: Winter Wrens construct round nests, often suspended from trees, with a small opening, showcasing their unique nesting behavior.
5. Rock Wren
While rarely observed in Saskatchewan, Rock Wrens are known to regularly occur in the southern regions of the province from May to September.
Rock Wrens feature pale brown plumage on their backs, adorned with darker flecks. They exhibit barred wings and tail, along with a pale underside complemented by buff coloring on the lower flanks and belly.
Distinctive traits include a pale eyebrow stripe, a long slightly curved bill, and dark legs. Male and female Rock Wrens share identical coloring. These wrens engage in a characteristic bobbing motion, particularly when agitated, which aids in their identification.
Scientific name: Salpinctes obsoletus
Length: 4.9-5.9 inches (12.5-15 cm)
Weight: 0.5-0.6 ounces (15-18 g)
Wingspan: 8.7-9.4 inches (22-24 cm)
Rock Wrens inhabit dry, rocky areas in western states of the United States and southwestern Canada. While individuals along the southern and western coasts remain year-round, those residing in central states migrate south for the winter.
To locate Rock Wrens, explore arid, rocky terrains with sparse vegetation. They feed on insects nestled within crevices and cracks in rocks.
Rock Wrens display a diverse repertoire of songs, often repeating the same sound multiple times before transitioning to a different pitch.
Rock Wren nests are situated on the ground, often within cavities or depressions in rocky environments. These nests incorporate layers of small stones, followed by softer materials like wool and moss. Rock Wrens may produce up to 8 eggs per clutch and raise up to 3 broods each year.
Intriguing fact: Rock Wrens construct stone walkways leading to their nests, though the purpose behind this behavior remains unknown. Additionally, these wrens obtain the necessary moisture for survival through their insect diet, thus negating the need to drink water.
6. Pacific Wren
Pacific Wrens represent an accidental species within Saskatchewan, with sparse records indicating their last sighting near Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park in 2020.
These wrens exhibit brown plumage, adorned with darker barring on their wings, tail, and belly. A pale eyebrow stripe complements their appearance, and they possess short tails held upright. Male and female Pacific Wrens share identical physical traits.
Distinctive trait: They hold the title of being the smallest wren species in the United States.
Scientific name: Troglodytes pacificus
Length: 3.1-4.7 inches (8-12 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (8-12 g)
Wingspan: 4.7-6.3 inches (12-16 cm)
Pacific Wrens inhabit the West Coast, ranging from Alaska to California. Coastal populations remain resident throughout the year, while those dwelling inland in Canada migrate south for the winter.
To spot Pacific Wrens, search among the forest floor, where they adeptly hide amidst masses of leaves and decaying logs. Their diet consists of insects, spiders, flies, and bees.
Pacific Wrens emit a captivating song characterized by a medley of fast, high-pitched notes.
Pacific Wren nests are constructed using twigs, moss, and grass, woven into a rounded structure with a small opening. Clutches typically comprise 1 to 9 eggs, with hatching occurring after two to two and a half weeks. Fledging follows a similar timeframe.
To attract Pacific Wrens to your backyard, foster native plants and provide dense vegetation. Consider installing a nest box to further entice their presence.
Engrossing fact: Pacific Wrens often gather together for warmth, sharing the same nest cavity or nest box. In one instance, over 30 individuals were discovered congregating within a nest box.
How to Attract Wrens to Your Backyard
Welcoming wrens into your backyard offers the opportunity to relish their melodious songs and observe their energetic presence up close. While only a few wren species regularly visit backyards, such as House Wrens, Carolina Wrens, and Bewick’s Wrens, you can employ the following strategies to attract them:
- Embrace a less pristine environment: Provide habitats for insects and spiders, which serve as wrens’ preferred food sources. Leave fallen leaves, brush piles, and spider webs intact.
- Offer clean water sources: Multiple locations with running water are preferable.
- Create suitable nesting sites: Wrens readily utilize nest boxes or even old boots left in the yard.
- Provide supplementary food: Wrens appreciate mealworms, crickets, peanut pieces, and suet.
By implementing these practices, you increase the likelihood of wrens gracing your backyard with their delightful presence.