In the realm of North America, a total of 11 distinct species of wrens have been sighted, and among these, 7 have been observed in the scenic landscapes of Washington. Out of the wren population in Washington, six species can be considered regular inhabitants, while one species is deemed accidental in occurrence. The purpose of this guide is to offer assistance in visually and audibly identifying these wrens.
Throughout the entire year, the following wren species can be found dwelling in Washington: Bewick’s Wrens, Pacific Wrens, Marsh Wrens, and Canyon Wrens. During the summer season in Washington, House Wrens and Rock Wrens make their lively presence known. Additionally, keep an eye out for Winter Wrens when exploring the enchanting lands of Washington.
Wrens, although possessing an unremarkable appearance, are endowed with vibrant personalities. These songbirds are adorned in shades of brown, exhibiting a relatively small and plump physique. Their most distinctive features include upright tails and voices that resonate with exuberance.
Wrens belong to the New World avian family, meaning they inhabit regions of North and South America. However, the Eurasian Wren stands as an exception, dwelling in the Old World and gracing Europe and Africa with its presence. These delightful creatures are categorized as members of the Troglodyidae bird family.
As far as their dietary preferences are concerned, wrens primarily subsist on insects and spiders. This particular dietary inclination allows them to adapt and flourish in various environments, even those characterized by aridity, rocky terrain, and sparse vegetation.
Initially, the Winter Wren was assumed to be the same species as Pacific Wrens and Eurasian Wrens. However, subsequent observations and scientific classification have established them as three distinct species.
Throughout history, wrens have been deeply entwined with folklore, imbued with symbolic meanings. In European lore, it was once believed that harming wrens would bring forth unfortunate circumstances and ill fortune.
The present guide aims to aid you in identifying the diverse wren species residing in Washington. The provided information is drawn from avibase, and the wrens are presented in order of their frequency of sightings, as reported by dedicated birdwatchers who diligently submit their checklists to ebird.
To enhance your bird identification skills, you may find it useful to procure a complimentary photo guide specifically tailored to Washington, which will aid you in identifying numerous avian visitors gracing your backyard.
Here is a comprehensive list of the 7 wren species found in Washington:
1. Bewick’s Wren
Bewick’s Wrens are the most commonly sighted wrens in Washington, making their presence known throughout the entire year. Birdwatchers’ checklists for the state indicate that approximately 15% of submissions include records of Bewick’s Wrens.
Featuring a brown-backed appearance, these wrens possess long gray upright tails with darker barring. They also exhibit gray bellies and a distinctive white stripe adorning their eyes.
Scientific name: Thryomanes bewickii
Length: 5.1 inches (13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (8-12 g)
Bewick’s Wrens are year-round inhabitants of southern and western states, with minor movements observed during the winter season.
To spot Bewick’s Wrens, venture into scrublands, thickets, and open woodlands, where these agile creatures can be seen hopping from one branch to another, their long tails gracefully flicking through the air. Their diet primarily consists of insects and larvae, including bees, bugs, caterpillars, and beetles.
When it comes to their melodious songs, Bewick’s Wrens begin with a sequence of short, higher-pitched notes followed by buzzy, lower-pitched ones.
Nests constructed by Bewick’s Wrens can be found nestled on rock ledges, in old woodpecker nests, nest boxes, or crevices within buildings. These cup-shaped abodes are meticulously crafted from sticks and grasses, with a softer lining. The wrens lay 3 to 8 eggs, which require approximately two weeks to hatch, and the fledglings take an additional two weeks to mature.
To attract Bewick’s Wrens to your backyard, consider providing suet, mealworms, and hulled sunflower seeds.
Fun fact: In the eastern United States, the House Wren has been implicated in the decline of Bewick’s Wren population, as it often obliterates the eggs of its fellow wren species.
2. Pacific Wren
Pacific Wrens can be observed in Washington throughout the year, with appearances noted in 7% of checklists during summer and 11% during winter.
These wrens exhibit a uniformly brown coloration, adorned with darker barring on their wings, tail, and belly. A paler stripe graces their eyebrows, and they sport short tails that remain upright. Notably, male and female Pacific Wrens display similar appearances.
Characterized by their diminutive size, Pacific Wrens claim the title of 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 are native to the West Coast, spanning from Alaska to California. Coastal populations remain resident year-round, while inland populations in Canada embark on migratory journeys southward during winter.
When searching for Pacific Wrens, direct your attention to the forest floor, where they skillfully camouflage amidst the dense foliage and decaying logs. Their diet mainly comprises insects, spiders, flies, and bees.
The songs of Pacific Wrens consist of a melodic medley, featuring a multitude of fast, high-pitched notes intricately woven together.
Nests built by Pacific Wrens boast a construction of twigs, moss, and grass, forming a rounded structure with a small entrance. They lay 1 to 9 eggs, which require approximately two weeks to hatch, and the fledglings attain maturity within the same timeframe.
To attract Pacific Wrens to your backyard, consider cultivating native plants and dense vegetation. Installing a nest box can also provide an appealing nesting site for these delightful creatures.
Fun fact: Pacific Wrens often gather in groups, huddling together to conserve warmth during chilly weather conditions. It is not uncommon to find over 30 individuals occupying the same nest box.
3. Marsh Wren
Marsh Wrens can be encountered in Washington throughout the year, although they are more frequently observed during the summer season. Summer checklists indicate sightings in 8% of cases, while winter checklists note a presence in 5% of cases.
Sporting brown plumage adorned with black and white streaks on their back, Marsh Wrens exhibit a grayish-brown underside and the signature upright tail common among wrens. Notably, they lack shoulder stripes and possess longer bills in comparison to Sedge Wrens. Male and female Marsh Wrens share a similar 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 engage in breeding activities across northern U.S. states and central Canada before embarking on migrations to southern states and Mexico. During migration, sightings of Marsh Wrens can occur in the eastern United States.
To locate Marsh Wrens, explore wetlands teeming with reeds, where these adept climbers cling to stalks with each foot gripping a different one. Although spotting them may prove challenging, listening for their melodious songs amidst the reeds, especially during dawn and dusk, can aid in their identification.
In their quest for sustenance, Marsh Wrens rely on insects and spiders that they pluck from leaves in close proximity to the water.
The songs of Marsh Wrens are characterized by a distinctive buzzing quality, capable of lasting up to 20 minutes.
Nests constructed by Marsh Wrens boast an enclosed design, featuring a small opening at the top. These abodes are meticulously woven from reeds and grasses. Marsh Wrens lay 3 to 10 eggs, which require approximately two weeks to hatch, and the fledglings take a similar duration to fledge.
Fun facts: Marsh Wrens are known to construct multiple dummy nests, often numbering up to twenty, attached to cattails. However, they usually utilize only one of these nests and will readily destroy the eggs and nestlings of rival birds.
4. House Wren
During the summer season in Washington, House Wrens claim the distinction of being the second most frequently sighted wren species. Approximately 9% of summer checklists include records of these lively birds. Their presence can be observed from March, with some individuals remaining until January. However, the prime months for spotting them range from mid-April to September.
House Wrens present themselves as small, nondescript birds characterized by round, brown bodies accentuated by darker barred wings and tails. Their throats exhibit a paler hue. Male and female House Wrens display indistinguishable appearances.
Distinguishing features of House Wrens include less prominent eyestripes compared to 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 engage in summer breeding activities across the United States and southern Canada before embarking on winter migrations to the southern regions and Mexico.
When searching for House Wrens, explore backyards, parks, and open woodlands, as these energetic foragers scour the landscape in pursuit of insects and spiders. They can often be observed energetically hopping through dense vegetation and low branches, their tails held upright while serenading the surroundings with their cheerful songs.
In terms of their dietary preferences, House Wrens primarily feed on insects and spiders, including beetles, caterpillars, and flies. They have also been observed consuming snail shells as a source of calcium.
The songs of House Wrens may lack tunefulness but compensate with their frequent delivery. Their melodies consist of a series of jumbled notes, changing in pitch and speed.
Nests constructed by House Wrens can be found in old woodpecker holes, nest boxes, or small crevices. They exhibit a preference for lightly wooded areas and build their nests using twigs, which are then lined with softer materials. House Wrens lay 3 to 10 eggs, and the incubation period lasts for approximately two weeks, with the fledglings requiring an additional two weeks to mature.
To attract House Wrens to your backyard, consider leaving piles of brush or installing a nest box.
Fun fact: Despite their small size, House Wrens
display fierce behavior when it comes to claiming the best nesting sites. They often harass larger birds and may even remove eggs or nestlings from nests they desire.
5. Rock Wren
Rock Wrens engage in breeding activities within Washington during the summer season and appear on approximately 1% of summer checklists. Their presence is commonly noted from March to October, although a few individuals remain throughout the year.
Distinguished by their pale brown backs adorned with darker flecks, Rock Wrens display barring on their wings and tail. Their underbellies exhibit a pale hue, while their lower flanks and belly sport buff coloring. Male and female Rock Wrens possess identical colorations. Notably, Rock Wrens engage in bobbing movements, particularly when agitated, aiding 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 can be found in arid, rocky regions of western U.S. states and southwest Canada. While coastal and western populations remain year-round residents, those located in central U.S. states embark on migratory journeys southward during winter.
To spot Rock Wrens, explore dry and rocky areas with sparse vegetation. They possess a remarkable ability to navigate through crevices in rocks in search of insects.
Rock Wrens are known for their diverse repertoire of songs, often comprising over 100 variations. These songs typically consist of repeated sounds, each differing in pitch.
Nests constructed by Rock Wrens can be found on the ground, usually within cavities or depressions in rocky areas. The wrens augment their nests with a layer of small stones, followed by softer materials such as wool and moss. They may lay up to 8 eggs and raise up to 3 broods within a single year.
Fun facts: Rock Wrens exhibit an intriguing behavior of constructing walkways using stones and other objects that lead to their nests, although the reason behind this behavior remains unknown. Additionally, Rock Wrens do not drink water directly; instead, they acquire the necessary moisture by consuming insects.
6. Canyon Wren
Canyon Wrens, as resident species, inhabit Washington throughout the year, refraining from migratory journeys.
Canyon Wrens feature stocky brown bodies adorned with white throats and lighter barred tails. Their heads exhibit a grayish-brown hue with speckles. Notably, these wrens possess short yet robust legs, which enable them to cling to rocks with ease. Male and female Canyon Wrens share similar colorations.
Scientific name: Catherpes mexicanus
Length: 4.5-6.1 inches (11.4-15.4 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.7 ounces (9.9-18.3 g)
Wingspan: 7.1-7.9 inches (18-20 cm)
Canyon Wrens can be found across the western regions, spanning from southern British Columbia through western U.S. states and into Mexico. Notably, they do not engage in migratory behaviors.
To locate Canyon Wrens, venture into rocky areas similar to those favored by Rock Wrens. These adept climbers forage for insects and spiders hidden within crevices. Their short yet sturdy legs enable them to cling to rocks and even scale vertical cliffs.
The songs of Canyon Wrens are distinguished by a descending and slowing melody, culminating in a series of raspy notes.
Nests constructed by Canyon Wrens are situated within crevices and are fashioned from twigs and grasses, complemented by a lining of wool and feathers.
Fun fact: Canyon Wrens demonstrate a peculiar behavior of pilfering food from spiders’ webs and wasp nests.
7. Winter Wren
Winter Wrens are considered rare or accidental species in Washington, with sightings reported exclusively around Orting in 2021.
These plump, small birds exhibit brown plumage with darker barring on their wings, tail, and belly. A paler eyebrow stripe adds to their visual charm. Winter Wrens bear a striking resemblance to Pacific Wrens and were once considered the same species. However, they are now recognized as distinct species and exhibit 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 are primarily found in eastern U.S. states during winter, while their summer range encompasses northeastern U.S. states and Canada.
To locate Winter Wrens, search within tangled undergrowth in forests and backyards. They scour fallen leaves and decaying bark in search of insects and spiders.
Winter Wrens are characterized by their long, bubbly, and sweet songs, which are slower compared to Pacific Wrens. Their melodies can endure up to 10 seconds.
Nests constructed by Winter Wrens exhibit a round shape with a small opening, woven from twigs, moss, and grass. They lay 1 to 9 eggs, with an incubation period of approximately two to two and a half weeks. Fledglings require a similar duration to reach maturity.
To attract Winter Wrens to your backyard, consider cultivating native plants and providing dense vegetation.
Fun fact: Winter Wren nests often possess a rounded shape and are occasionally found suspended from trees.
How to Attract Wrens to Your Backyard
The presence of wrens in your backyard allows you to relish their enchanting melodies and observe their lively behavior up close. While only a few wren species regularly visit backyards, including House Wrens, Carolina Wrens, and Bewick’s Wrens, attracting them can be achieved through the following methods:
1. Embrace a slightly untidy approach: Provide habitats for insects and spiders, which constitute the wrens’ favorite food source. Leave fallen leaves, brush piles, and spider webs intact.
2. Provide clean water sources: Consider offering multiple locations with clean, preferably running, water.
3. Create nesting sites: Wrens readily utilize nest boxes or even unconventional options like old boots left in suitable locations.
4. Offer enticing food options: Wrens display a fondness for mealworms, crickets, peanuts, and suet. Including these food sources in your backyard can entice them.
Frequency of Wren Sightings in Summer and Winter in Washington
Checklists provide valuable insights into the frequency of bird sightings. Based on eBird records, the following percentages indicate the prevalence of wren species in summer and winter checklists:
Wrens in Washington during summer:
– Bewick’s Wren: 15.2%
– House Wren: 9.1%
– Marsh Wren: 8.7%
– Pacific Wren: 7.0%
– Rock Wren: 1.5%
– Canyon Wren: 0.5%
Wrens in Washington during winter:
– Bewick’s Wren: 16.0%
– Pacific Wren: 11.0%
– Marsh Wren: 5.0%
– Canyon Wren: 0.3%
– Rock Wren: 0.1%
– Winter Wren: <0.1%
– House Wren: <0.1%