In the vast expanse of North America, a total of 11 distinct wren species have been spotted, and amazingly, all 7 of these can be found in the state of New York. Among the wrens residing in New York, five are classified as regularly occurring, while two are considered accidental visitors. Fear not, for this informative handbook is here to assist you in identifying these captivating creatures through both visual cues and their melodious songs.
Throughout the year, two wren species grace New York with their presence: the Carolina Wren and the Winter Wren. During the summer season, two additional wren species join the chorus: the House Wren and the Marsh Wren. And let’s not forget about the other wren varieties to keep an eye out for in the Empire State, including the Sedge Wren, Bewick’s Wren, and Rock Wren. These unassuming songbirds possess unremarkable appearances, being of a brown hue, relatively petite in size, and sporting plump physiques. However, they compensate for their unassuming looks with their distinct upright tails and resounding voices.
Wrens, belonging to the Troglodyidae family of avian creatures, are native to the New World, encompassing the continents of North and South America. An exception to this New World habitation is the Eurasian Wren, which is primarily found in Europe and Africa, making it an Old World dweller. Feasting primarily on insects and spiders, wrens have adapted to thrive in even the harshest of environments, including arid and rocky terrains with limited vegetation.
In the past, it was mistakenly believed that the Winter Wren was one and the same as the Pacific Wren and the Eurasian Wren. However, scientific research has since determined that these three wren species are distinct from one another and have been classified as separate entities.
Throughout the annals of history, wrens have held symbolic significance and were often associated with folklore and omens. For instance, in Europe, it was once thought that harming or killing wrens would bring about ill fortune.
This comprehensive guide is a valuable resource for identifying the various wren species found in New York, drawing information from avibase. The wrens are listed in order of their frequency of sightings, with the most frequently observed species listed first, according to the checklists submitted by birdwatchers to ebird, the online birding platform.
To aid you in your backyard bird-watching adventures, consider printing out a complimentary photo guide specifically designed to help you identify the avian visitors to your New York backyard.
Without further ado, let’s delve into the enchanting world of the 7 wren species in New York:
1. Carolina Wren
Carolina Wrens are a constant presence in New York, appearing throughout the year. They have been spotted in approximately 11% of both summer and winter checklists submitted by bird enthusiasts in the state.
These shy creatures boast a dark brown upper plumage, complemented by a lighter brown underside. Sporting a white eyebrow stripe and an upright tail, Carolina Wrens exhibit remarkable loyalty, forming lifelong pair bonds.
Scientific name: Thryothorus ludovicianus
Size: 4.7-5.5 inches (12-14 cm) in length
Weight: 0.6-0.8 ounces (18-22 g)
Wingspan: 11.4 inches (29 cm)
Carolina Wrens reside year-round across Eastern and Southeastern states of the United States.
These charming wrens can be found inhabiting woodlands and densely vegetated areas, even venturing into backyard settings. They sustain themselves primarily on a diet of insects and spiders, occasionally supplementing their meals with lizards, frogs, and snakes.
When it comes to their vocal abilities, Carolina Wrens emit a delightful chorus of quick whistles.
2. House Wren
During the summer months, House Wrens make their appearance in New York, accounting for approximately 23% of checklists submitted during this season. Their arrival can be observed from May through October, although a few individuals may remain in the area throughout the year.
Sporting unassuming round brown bodies with darker barred wings and tails, House Wrens exhibit no noticeable physical distinctions between males and females. Unlike some other wren species, their eyestripes are less conspicuous.
Scientific name: Troglodytes aedon
Size: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm) in length
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (10-12 g)
Wingspan: 5.9 inches (15 cm)
House Wrens breed during the summer in the United States and southern regions of Canada. As winter approaches, they embark on a migratory journey to the southern parts of the United States and Mexico.
Keep an eye out for House Wrens in residential backyards, parks, and open woodlands, where they diligently forage for insects and spiders. Energetically hopping through foliage and low branches, these lively wrens often exhibit their tails in an upright position while serenading the surroundings with their cheerful songs.
Their diet mainly consists of beetles, caterpillars, flies, and even snail shells, providing a calcium boost.
When it comes to vocalization, House Wrens may not possess melodious tunes, but they compensate with a series of rapid, jumbled notes that vary in pitch and speed.
3. Winter Wren
In New York, Winter Wrens can be spotted throughout the year, appearing in approximately 2% of summer checklists and 1% of winter checklists.
Characterized by their plump brown bodies adorned with darker barring on their wings, tail, and belly, Winter Wrens possess a paler eyebrow stripe and short, upright tails. Males and females share identical appearances. It is worth noting that Winter Wrens bear a striking resemblance to Pacific Wrens, with the two species once thought to be the same. However, they have since been classified as distinct entities, characterized by their unique songs.
Scientific name: Troglodytes hiemalis
Size: 3.1-4.7 inches (8-12 cm) in length
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 regions of the United States during the winter season, while they inhabit the northeastern United States and Canada during the summer months.
When exploring forests and backyards, keep an eye out for Winter Wrens hidden amidst tangled undergrowth. Their diet predominantly consists of insects and spiders, which they skillfully retrieve by rummaging through fallen leaves and decaying bark.
Their musical repertoire includes a long, bubbly, and sweet song that lasts for up to 10 seconds, distinct from the tunes sung by Pacific Wrens.
4. Marsh Wren
During the breeding season, Marsh Wrens can be observed in New York, appearing in approximately 3% of summer checklists. They are most commonly sighted from mid-April to October, although a few individuals may linger throughout the year.
Marsh Wrens exhibit brown plumage adorned with black and white streaks on their back, while their underside displays a grayish-brown hue. True to their wren heritage, they possess the distinctive upright tail characteristic of their kin.
Distinguished by their lack of shoulder stripes and longer bills compared to Sedge Wrens, both male and female Marsh Wrens share similar physical traits.
Scientific name: Cistothorus palustris
Size: 3.9-5.5 inches (10-14 cm) in length
Weight: 0.3-0.5 ounces (9-14 g)
Wingspan: 5.9 inches (15 cm)
Marsh Wrens breed in the northern regions of the United States and central parts of Canada before embarking on migrations to southern states and Mexico. Some individuals along the western coast and Atlantic coast may remain resident year-round. Marsh Wrens passing through the eastern United States can be observed during migration.
To locate Marsh Wrens, explore wetlands where they cling to reeds with each foot gripping a different stalk. Although they may be challenging to spot, their vibrant songs emanating from the reeds, particularly during dawn and dusk, serve as reliable indicators of their presence.
These wrens sustain themselves by feasting on insects and spiders found in close proximity to bodies of water.
When it comes to their vocalization, Marsh Wrens produce a distinctive buzzing song that can endure for up to 20 minutes.
5. Sedge Wren
While relatively rare in New York, Sedge Wrens have been identified as regularly occurring in the state.
Sedge Wrens feature small brown bodies with darker streaks and barring on their upper parts, contrasted by paler underparts. Sporting a subtle light eyebrow stripe, both males and females exhibit similar physical characteristics. It is worth noting that Sedge Wrens resemble Marsh Wrens but lack striped shoulders and possess lighter bellies.
Scientific name: Cistothorus stellaris
Size: 3.9-4.7 inches (10-12 cm) in length
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 venture further east in the United States. They undertake migratory journeys to spend winters in southeastern states and northern Mexico, favoring regions near the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.
To locate Sedge Wrens, explore well-vegetated wet grasslands, marshy areas, and meadows. They prefer shallower areas compared to Marsh Wrens and exhibit adept insect and spider hunting skills.
Sedge Wrens produce a simple song consisting of a few short notes followed by a rapid series of similar-pitched notes.
6. Bewick’s Wren
Bewick’s Wrens are considered accidental species in New York, rarely encountered within the state.
These wrens boast brown-backed bodies adorned with long, gray, and upright tails marked with darker barring. Their bellies showcase a gray hue, while a distinctive white stripe adorns their eyes.
Scientific name: Thryomanes bewickii
Size: 5.1 inches (13 cm) in length
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (8-12 g)
Bewick’s Wrens primarily reside in southern and western states throughout the year, with minimal winter movements.
To spot Bewick’s Wrens, venture into scrublands, thickets, and open woodlands, where they deftly hop from branch to branch, showcasing their flickering long tails. Their diet consists mainly of insects and larvae, encompassing bees, bugs, caterpillars, and beetles.
Their melodic song commences with a couple of short higher notes, followed by lower-pitched buzzy notes.
7. Rock Wren
Within New York, Rock Wrens are categorized as accidental species, with a single sighting dating back to 1986 in the vicinity of Fredonia.
Rock Wrens exhibit pale brown upper plumage adorned with darker flecks. Their wings and tail showcase barring, while their underparts display a pale hue. Additionally, they possess buff coloring on their lower flanks and belly. These wrens possess a pale eyebrow stripe, long slightly curved bills, and dark legs. Males and females share identical physical traits. When agitated, Rock Wrens engage in a characteristic bobbing motion, which aids in their identification.
Scientific name: Salpinctes obsoletus
Size: 4.9-5.9 inches (12.5-15 cm) in length
Weight: 0.5-0.6 ounces (15-18 g)
Wingspan: 8.7-9.4 inches (22-24 cm)
Rock Wrens inhabit dry and rocky areas in western states of the United States and southwestern regions of Canada. While those in the south and west remain resident year-round, individuals in central United States embark on southern migrations during winter.
When searching for Rock Wrens, explore dry and rocky habitats characterized by minimal vegetation. They thrive on insects found within crevices of rocks.
Rock Wrens showcase their vocal prowess through a repertoire of over 100 songs, often repeating the same sound several times before transitioning to a different sound, each time with varying pitches.
The nests of Rock Wrens are typically located on the ground, nestled in cavities or depressions within rocky areas. They construct a walkway of stones leading to their nests, although the purpose of this unique feature remains unknown. These wrens create multiple layers within their nests, including a foundation of small stones followed by softer materials like wool and moss. A single clutch may comprise up to 8 eggs, and Rock Wrens can have up to 3 broods in a year.
Interesting fact: Rock Wrens derive all the necessary moisture from their insect-rich diet and do not drink water.
How to Attract Wrens to Your Backyard
Now, let’s explore how you can attract wrens to your backyard. The presence of these delightful songbirds allows you to enjoy their melodious tunes and observe their lively behaviors up close. While only a few wren species are regular visitors to backyards, such as House Wrens, Carolina Wrens, and Bewick’s Wrens, you can employ several strategies to entice them into your outdoor haven:
1. Embrace a touch of wildness: Create habitats that encourage insects and spiders, which serve as wrens’ preferred food sources. Leave fallen leaves, brush piles, and spider webs intact.
2. Provide a water oasis: Supply clean water sources, preferably with a gentle flow, in multiple locations within your backyard.
3. Nesting opportunities: Wrens readily utilize nest boxes or even peculiar structures like old boots left out in the open.
4. Culinary delights: Offer wrens mealworms, crickets, peanuts, and suet. These delectable treats can attract their attention.
How Frequently Wrens are Spotted in Summer and Winter in New York
To shed light on the frequency of wren sightings during summer and winter in New York, checklists compiled by avid birdwatchers on ebird offer valuable insights:
Wrens in New York during Summer:
– House Wren: 23.1%
– Carolina Wren: 11.1%
– Marsh Wren: 3.7%
– Winter Wren: 2.5%
– Sedge Wren: 0.1%
– Bewick’s Wren: <0.1%
Wrens in New York during Winter:
– Carolina Wren: 11.4%
– Winter Wren: 1.3%
– Marsh Wren: 0.1%
– House Wren: <0.1%
– Sedge Wren: <0.1