In North America, a remarkable total of 11 wren species have been observed, with Illinois being home to 7 of them. Among these, 5 wren species are considered regular residents, while 2 are considered accidental visitors. The objective of this guide is to assist you in identifying these wrens based on their appearance and vocalizations.
Carolina Wrens are the sole wren species found in Illinois throughout the year. In summer, House Wrens, Marsh Wrens, and Sedge Wrens can also be spotted in the state. During winter, Winter Wrens make their appearance. Additionally, there are two other wren species to keep an eye out for in Illinois: Bewick’s Wrens and Rock Wrens.
Despite their unremarkable appearance, wrens are charismatic songbirds. They possess a brown coloration, relatively small size, and plump bodies, along with distinctive upright tails and powerful voices.
Wrens are primarily found in the New World, which encompasses North and South America, with the exception of the Eurasian Wren found in Europe and Africa. These birds belong to the Troglodyidae family.
Due to their diet consisting mainly of insects and spiders, wrens can adapt to extreme environments with minimal vegetation, including dry and rocky areas.
Previously, it was believed that the Winter Wren, Pacific Wren, and Eurasian Wren were the same species, but they have since been recognized as distinct species.
Throughout history, wrens have been associated with folklore and symbolic meanings. In Europe, it was once believed that harming wrens would bring about bad luck.
This guide provides information on identifying wren species in Illinois based on avibase data. The list is arranged according to the frequency of sightings, from most to least frequent, as reported by birdwatchers on ebird.
To aid in the identification of various bird species that visit your backyard, you can obtain a free bird identification photo guide specifically tailored for Illinois.
Here is a breakdown of the 7 wren species found in Illinois:
1. House Wren
During the summer, House Wrens are the most commonly encountered wren species in Illinois, appearing in 30% of birdwatchers’ checklists.
While a few House Wrens can be spotted year-round, the best months for sightings are from April to October.
House Wrens are small, unassuming birds with brown plumage, dark barred wings and tails, and a lighter throat. Both males and females share the same appearance.
Notable characteristic: The eyestripe is less prominent 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)
During the summer breeding season, House Wrens can be found in the United States and southern Canada before migrating to warmer regions like the South and Mexico for winter.
House Wrens are often observed in backyards, parks, and open woodlands, energetically hopping through vegetation and emitting their cheerful song. Their diet consists of insects, spiders, and even snail shells for calcium.
In terms of vocalization, House Wrens are not known for their melodious tunes. Instead, they produce a series of jumbled, pitch-changing notes at a rapid pace.
House Wrens construct their nests in old woodpecker holes, nest boxes, or other small crevices. They have a preference for lightly wooded areas and build their nests using twigs and softer materials. Their clutches consist of 3 to 10 eggs, which hatch after approximately two weeks, and the chicks fledge within another two weeks.
To attract House Wrens to your backyard, consider leaving brush piles or installing nest boxes.
Interesting fact: Despite their small size, House Wrens can be quite fierce when it comes to securing the best nesting sites. They often engage in aggressive behavior toward larger birds, even displacing eggs or nestlings from desired locations.
2. Carolina Wren
Carolina Wrens are non-migratory and can be found in Illinois throughout the year. They are present in approximately 7% of summer checklists and 8% of winter checklists submitted by birdwatchers in the state.
Carolina Wrens possess a shy demeanor and feature dark brown plumage on their upper bodies and lighter brown undersides. They have a white eyebrow stripe and an upright tail.
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 in the eastern and southeastern regions of the United States.
These wrens can be found in wooded areas with dense vegetation and are known to visit backyard feeders. Their diet primarily consists of insects and spiders, but they may occasionally consume lizards, frogs, and snakes.
Carolina Wrens emit short whistling songs that are distinctively different from other wren species.
Nests of Carolina Wrens are typically located in trees, although they can adapt to various natural or artificial sites. The nests often exhibit a nearly circular shape with a small opening on the side. Carolina Wrens lay clutches of 3 to 7 eggs, which hatch within two weeks, and the chicks fledge within another two weeks.
To attract Carolina Wrens to your backyard feeders, provide suet feeders, hulled sunflower seeds, or peanut hearts in large tube or platform feeders.
Interesting fact: Carolina Wrens form lifelong pair bonds.
3. Marsh Wren
Marsh Wrens can be observed in Illinois during the breeding season, appearing on 4% of summer checklists. They are most commonly sighted between mid-April and October, although a few individuals may remain in the state year-round.
Marsh Wrens exhibit brown plumage with black and white streaks on their backs. Their undersides have a grayish-brown tone, and they sport the characteristic upright tail shared by wrens.
Marsh Wrens lack the shoulder stripes found in Sedge Wrens and possess longer bills. Both males and females exhibit 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)
During the breeding season, Marsh Wrens breed in the northern states of the United States and central Canada before migrating to southern states, Mexico, and regions along the Atlantic Coast. They can also be observed during migration in the eastern parts of the United States.
Marsh Wrens prefer wetland habitats and cling to reeds, using one foot to grasp each stalk. Although they can be challenging to spot, their distinctive buzzing songs, particularly at dawn and dusk, can help in their identification.
In terms of diet, Marsh Wrens primarily feed on insects and spiders, which they pick off leaves close to the water.
Marsh Wrens construct fully enclosed nests made from reeds and grasses. The nests feature a small opening at the top. They lay clutches of 3 to 10 eggs, which hatch within two weeks, and the chicks fledge within another two weeks.
Notable fact: Marsh Wrens are known for building numerous dummy nests attached to cattails, although they typically utilize only one nest while destroying eggs and nestlings of competing birds.
4. Winter Wren
Winter Wrens are more frequently spotted in Illinois during winter, appearing on 1% of checklists. They begin arriving as early as August and some individuals remain until June. The optimal months for sightings are during the spring and fall migrations in March and October.
Winter Wrens are small and plump, featuring brown plumage with darker barring on their wings, tail, and belly. They possess a paler eyebrow stripe and short tails that are held upright. Both males and females have similar appearances.
Winter Wrens closely resemble Pacific Wrens and were previously considered the same species. However, they are now recognized as distinct species with different 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 found in the eastern United States during winter and the northeastern United States and Canada during summer.
To locate Winter Wrens, search within tangled undergrowth in forests and backyards. They feed on insects and spiders by rummaging through fallen leaves and decaying bark.
The songs of Winter Wrens are long, bubbly, and sweet, lasting up to 10 seconds. These songs differ from those of Pacific Wrens in terms of duration and pitch.
Winter Wrens construct nests using twigs, moss, and grass, forming them into rounded shapes with small openings. They lay clutches of 1 to 9 eggs, which hatch within two to two and a half weeks, followed by another two weeks for fledging.
To attract Winter Wrens to your backyard, provide native plants and ensure there is dense vegetation available.
Interesting fact: Winter Wren nests are typically round with small openings, and they may even hang from trees.
5. Sedge Wren
Sedge Wrens spend the breeding season in Illinois and are recorded on 2% of summer checklists. They are more commonly sighted between March and October before migrating south, although a few individuals may remain until winter.
Sedge Wrens are small brown wrens, darker on their upper bodies with streaks and barring, and lighter on their undersides. They possess a small, light eyebrow stripe. Males and females exhibit similar appearances.
Sedge Wrens share similarities with Marsh Wrens and are found in similar wet habitats. However, Marsh Wrens lack striped shoulders and possess lighter bellies.
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 sometimes further east in the United States. They migrate to spend winter in southeastern states, northern Mexico, and regions near the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.
To locate Sedge Wrens, explore wet grasslands, marshy areas, and meadows with abundant vegetation. They prefer shallower areas compared to Marsh Wrens and hunt for insects and spiders.
The songs of Sedge Wrens consist of a few short notes followed by a series of rapid notes at a similar pitch.
Sedge Wrens are known to puncture the eggs of other Sedge Wrens nesting in close proximity, ultimately destroying them.
6. Bewick’s Wren
Bewick’s Wrens are classified as accidental species in Illinois, although they were spotted around Rushville in 2021.
Bewick’s Wrens feature brown backs, long gray upright tails with darker barring, gray bellies, and a white stripe over the eye.
Scientific name: Thryomanes bewickii
Length: 5.1 inches (13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (8-12 g)
Bewick’s Wrens reside in southern and western states throughout the year, with minor movements occurring during winter.
To find Bewick’s Wrens, explore scrub areas, thickets, and open woodlands, where they hop from branch to branch, showcasing their distinctive flicking tails.
Their diet mainly consists of insects and larvae, including bees, bugs, caterpillars, and beetles.
Bewick’s Wrens emit songs comprising a couple of short higher notes followed by lower-pitched buzzy notes.
Nests of Bewick’s Wrens can be found on rock ledges, in old woodpecker nests, nest boxes, or crevices in buildings. These nests are cup-shaped and constructed using sticks and grasses with a softer lining. Clutches of 3 to 8 eggs are laid, with hatching taking approximately two weeks and fledging occurring within another two weeks.
To attract Bewick’s Wrens to your backyard, provide suet, mealworms, and hulled sunflower seeds.
Interesting fact: House Wrens have been associated with the decline of Bewick’s Wrens in the eastern United States, as they tend to destroy the eggs of Bewick’s Wrens.
7. Rock Wren
Rock Wrens are extremely rare and considered accidental species in Illinois, with the last recorded sighting dating back to 1993.
Rock Wrens exhibit pale brown coloration on their backs with darker flecks. They possess barring on their wings and tail and display a pale underside with buff coloring on the lower flanks and belly.
Distinctive features include a pale eyebrow stripe, a long slightly curved bill, and dark legs. Males and females share similar coloration. Rock Wrens are known for their bobbing movements, especially when agitated, which can aid 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 southwest Canada. While individuals in the south and west remain year-round, those in central states migrate south for winter.
To locate Rock Wrens, explore dry and rocky areas with minimal vegetation. They feed on insects found within crevices in rocks.
The songs of Rock Wrens can vary, with individuals known to produce over 100 songs. These songs often consist of repeating the same sound several times before transitioning to a different sound.
Rock Wrens construct ground-level nests in cavities or depressions within rocky areas. They add a layer of small stones followed by softer materials like wool and moss. They may lay up to 8 eggs and produce up to 3 broods in a year.
Interesting fact: Rock Wrens build walkways using stones and other objects leading to their nests, although the purpose of these walkways remains unknown. Additionally, Rock Wrens obtain all the necessary moisture from the insects they consume and do not drink water.
How to Attract Wrens to Your Backyard
To attract wrens to your backyard, create favorable conditions such as providing habitats for insects and spiders by leaving fallen leaves, brush piles, and spider webs. Additionally, offer clean water sources, nesting sites such as nest boxes, and suitable food options such as mealworms, crickets, peanuts, and suet.
How Frequently Wrens are Spotted in Summer and Winter in Illinois
Wrens in Illinois in Summer:
– House Wren: 30.0%
– Carolina Wren: 7.0%
– Marsh Wren: 4.4%
– Sedge Wren: 2.8%
– Winter Wren: 0.2%
– Bewick’s Wren: <0.1%
Wrens in Illinois in Winter:
– Carolina Wren: 8.1%
– Winter Wren: 1.0%
– Marsh Wren: <0.1%
– House Wren: <0.1%
– Sedge Wren: <0.1%
– Rock Wren: <0.1%