North America is home to a diverse array of wrens, with a total of 11 different species. Surprisingly, New Brunswick has been fortunate enough to spot 6 out of these 11 species. Among the wrens found in this region, three species are regularly seen, while the remaining three are considered accidental visitors. This handy guide aims to assist you in identifying these fascinating creatures through both their appearance and melodic songs.
When it comes to wrens in the summer months of New Brunswick, the Winter Wren and Marsh Wren take the spotlight. Additionally, keep an eye out for Carolina Wrens, House Wrens, Sedge Wrens, and Bewick’s Wrens within the region. These unassuming songbirds may not have flashy appearances, but they compensate with their vibrant personalities. With their distinct upright tails and powerful voices, they present themselves as small, plump, brown birds.
It’s worth noting that wrens are considered New World birds, inhabiting the Americas, except for the Eurasian Wren, which can be found in Europe and Africa. They belong to the avian family known as Troglodyidae.
The diet of wrens primarily consists of insects and spiders, allowing them to adapt to various environments, even those with limited vegetation or rocky terrain.
Interestingly, there was a time when Winter Wrens were believed to be the same species as Pacific Wrens and Eurasian Wrens. However, recent findings have led to the classification of these three as distinct species.
Throughout history, wrens have been entwined with folklore and symbolism. In Europe, it was once believed that harming a wren would bring about ill fortune.
To assist you in identifying the wren species specifically found in New Brunswick, this guide will follow the classification provided by avibase. The list will present the species according to their frequency of sightings, ranging from the most commonly observed to the least. These six wren species found in New Brunswick are as follows:
1. Winter Wren
Winter Wrens are most frequently observed during the breeding season in New Brunswick, appearing in approximately 6% of checklists submitted during the summer. Their presence is more prominent from April to October, although a few remain throughout the year.
These small, plump brown birds display darker barring on their wings, tail, and belly. Their eyebrows exhibit a paler shade, and they sport short, upright tails. Notably, there is no visual distinction between males and females.
Winter Wrens bear a striking resemblance to Pacific Wrens. In the past, they were even considered the same species until they were classified separately due to differences in their 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)
These delightful creatures can be found across eastern US states during winter and in Canada during summer. Look for Winter Wrens concealed within tangled undergrowth in forests and even your backyard. They rummage through fallen leaves and decaying bark, relishing their favorite meals of insects and spiders.
When it comes to their melodious repertoire, Winter Wrens perform a long, bubbly, and sweet song, lasting up to 10 seconds.
2. Marsh Wren
During the breeding season, Marsh Wrens are frequently spotted in New Brunswick. They begin arriving as early as April and may linger until December, although June and July offer the best opportunities for sightings.
These brown birds bear black and white streaks on their backs, with grayish-brown undersides and the characteristic upright tail of wrens. Unlike their Sedge Wren counterparts, Marsh Wrens lack stripes on their shoulders and have longer bills. Males and females share similar appearances.
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 northern US states and central Canada before migrating to southern states and Mexico. While some individuals residing along the Atlantic Coast and in the west remain year-round, Marsh Wrens can be encountered during migration in the eastern US.
These elusive birds often cling to reeds in wetlands, skillfully using their feet to grasp different stalks. Although they may be challenging to spot, listen for their melodious tunes emanating from within the reeds, particularly during the dawn and dusk hours. Insects and spiders are their primary prey, plucked from leaves near the water’s edge.
The Marsh Wren’s distinctive song is characterized by a buzzy quality and can extend for up to 20 minutes.
3. Carolina Wren
Carolina Wrens, though categorized as accidental visitors in New Brunswick, have been sighted a few times in the province during 2022.
These timid birds sport dark brown plumage on their upper bodies, contrasting with lighter shades on their underparts. A notable white eyebrow stripe and an upright tail complete their charming appearance.
Scientific name: Thryothorus ludovicianus
Length: 4.7-5.5 inches (12-14 cm)
Weight: 0.6-0.8 ounces (18-22 g)
Wingspan: 11.4 inches (29 cm)
Carolina Wrens are year-round residents across eastern and southeastern US states. In wooded areas or densely vegetated regions, you might catch a glimpse of these wrens. They will occasionally visit backyard feeders in search of insects, spiders, lizards, frogs, and even snakes.
The Carolina Wren’s song is characterized by short, quick whistles.
Nests constructed by Carolina Wrens can be found in trees or various other locations, be they natural or man-made. Their nests are typically rounded and possess a small side opening. They lay between 3 and 7 eggs, with hatching taking approximately two weeks, followed by an additional two weeks for fledging.
To attract Carolina Wrens to your backyard feeders, consider offering suet, hulled sunflower seeds, or peanut hearts in large tube or platform feeders.
4. House Wren
While sightings of House Wrens in New Brunswick are infrequent, they are still considered regular visitors, with records of their presence in the province during 2021.
These small, unremarkable birds exhibit round brown bodies with darker barred wings and tails, along with paler throats. Males and females share identical appearances. Notably, House Wrens lack the prominent eyestripe observed in 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 breed in the US and southern Canada during the summer months before migrating to the southern regions, including Mexico, for the winter.
When searching for House Wrens, direct your attention to backyards, parks, and open woodlands, as these are their preferred foraging grounds for insects and spiders. You’ll often find them energetically hopping through tangled branches with their tails held high, intermittently breaking their movements to emit cheerful songs.
Their diet primarily consists of beetles, caterpillars, flies, and even snail shells for calcium.
The House Wren’s song lacks a melodious tune but compensates with a series of rapid, jumbled notes varying in pitch and speed.
Nests constructed by House Wrens can be found in old woodpecker holes, nest boxes, or small crevices. They have a preference for lightly wooded areas and construct their nests using twigs, lining them with softer materials. House Wrens lay between 3 and 10 eggs, with hatching taking about two weeks, followed by an additional two weeks for fledging.
To attract House Wrens to your backyard, consider leaving piles of brush or setting up nest boxes.
5. Sedge Wren
Sedge Wrens are classified as accidental visitors in New Brunswick, but they have been spotted around Benton in recent years.
These small, brown wrens possess darker upper bodies adorned with streaks and barring, while their undersides exhibit paler tones. A delicate, light eyebrow stripe adds a touch of charm. Both males and females share similar appearances.
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)
Sedge Wrens breed in southern Canada, the Midwest, and occasionally further east in the US. During winter, they migrate to southeastern states and northern Mexico, primarily in proximity to the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.
To spot a Sedge Wren, you’ll need to search diligently within wet grasslands, marshy areas, and meadows abundant with vegetation. They typically prefer shallower areas compared to Marsh Wrens and actively hunt for insects and spiders.
The Sedge Wren’s song is simple, consisting of a few short notes followed by a rapid series of similar-pitched notes.
It’s worth noting that Sedge Wrens display an aggressive behavior towards neighboring individuals, often destroying their eggs.
6. Bewick’s Wren
Bewick’s Wrens are exceptionally rare and categorized as accidental visitors in New Brunswick. According to records, no recent sightings have been reported in the region.
These brown-backed birds possess long, gray, upright tails adorned with darker barring. Their bellies exhibit shades of gray, while a white stripe adorns their eyes.
Scientific name: Thryomanes bewickii
Length: 5.1 inches (13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (8-12 g)
Bewick’s Wrens primarily inhabit southern and western states year-round, with minimal movements during winter.
To catch a glimpse of these elusive birds, explore scrublands, thickets, and open woodlands, where they gracefully hop from branch to branch, flicking their long tails. Their diet consists of insects and larvae, including bees, bugs, caterpillars, and beetles.
The Bewick’s Wren’s song consists of a couple of short higher notes followed by lower-pitched buzzy notes.
Nests constructed by Bewick’s Wrens can be found on rock ledges, in old woodpecker nests, nest boxes, or crevices within buildings. These cup-shaped nests are meticulously crafted using sticks and grass, lined with softer materials. Bewick’s Wrens lay between 3 and 8 eggs, with hatching taking approximately two weeks, followed by an additional two weeks for fledging.
How to Attract Wrens to Your Backyard
To attract Bewick’s Wrens to your backyard, provide suet, mealworms, and hulled sunflower seeds.
Creating an inviting environment for wrens in your backyard offers the opportunity to relish their melodious songs and observe their energetic nature up close. Although only a few species, such as House Wrens, Carolina Wrens, and Bewick’s Wrens, regularly visit backyards, you can employ several strategies to attract them:
1. Embrace a natural environment by avoiding excessive tidiness. Provide habitats for insects and spiders by leaving fallen leaves and brush piles intact, preserving spider webs.
2. Incorporate clean water sources, preferably with running water, in multiple locations.
3. Offer suitable nesting sites such as nest boxes or, who knows, even your old boots left out for exploration!
4. Provide a diverse range of food options. Wrens will gladly feast on mealworms, crickets, peanuts, suet, and pieces of hulled sunflower seeds.
By implementing these measures, you increase the likelihood of wrens gracing your backyard with their presence, allowing you to appreciate their beautiful songs and observe their lively behavior.