8 Species of Wrens in North Dakota – Picture and ID Guide
North America is home to a diverse range of wren species, with a total of 11 varieties identified. Among these, North Dakota has been graced with the presence of 8 wren species. In this region, 4 of these species are commonly found, while the remaining 4 are considered accidental visitors. This informative guide aims to assist you in recognizing these wrens through their distinct appearances and melodic songs.
Wrens found during the summer in North Dakota include House Wrens, Marsh Wrens, Sedge Wrens, and Rock Wrens. Additionally, keep an eye out for Winter Wrens, Carolina Wrens, Canyon Wrens, and Bewick’s Wrens.
While wrens may not catch your eye with flamboyant colors, they possess an abundance of charm. These small, plump songbirds boast a brown plumage and are characterized by their upright tails and powerful voices.
Wrens belong to the Troglodyidae family of birds and are native to the New World, encompassing North and South America. However, it is worth noting that the Eurasian Wren stands as an exception, being an Old World species found in Europe and Africa.
Their diet primarily consists of insects and spiders, enabling wrens to thrive in diverse environments, including arid regions with sparse vegetation and rocky landscapes.
Previously, the Winter Wren was believed to be the same species as the Pacific Wren and Eurasian Wren. However, it has since been recognized as a distinct species, separate from its counterparts.
Throughout history, wrens have been deeply intertwined with folklore and symbolism. In European traditions, it was once believed that harming wrens would attract misfortune.
This guide draws on information from avibase to aid you in identifying wren species specifically found in North Dakota. The list presents the wrens in order of their frequency of sightings, based on checklists submitted by birdwatchers to ebird.
For a valuable resource in identifying various bird species, including wrens, that visit your backyard, consider obtaining a complimentary bird identification photo guide tailored to North Dakota.
8 Species of Wrens in North Dakota:
- House Wren
- Marsh Wren
- Sedge Wren
- Rock Wren
- Winter Wren
- Carolina Wren
- Canyon Wren
- Bewick’s Wren
1. House Wren
House Wrens, during their breeding season, make North Dakota their home, showing up in roughly a fifth of the birdwatchers’ summer records in the state. They reside here between May and October, post which they journey southward to evade the winter cold.
These petite birds don a simplistic round brown appearance with darker striations on their wings and tails, and a slightly lighter throat. The male and female House Wrens bear striking resemblance to each other.
A characteristic feature of the House Wren, which sets it apart from other wren species, is its less noticeable eyestripe.
Scientific Name: Troglodytes aedon Dimensions: Length ranges from 4.3 to 5.1 inches (11-13 cm) and the wingspan is approximately 5.9 inches (15 cm) Weight: They weigh between 0.3 to 0.4 ounces (10-12 g)
These birds spend their summers breeding in the US and southern parts of Canada, later migrating southward to Mexico during the winter months.
House Wrens are commonly sighted in residential backyards, public parks, and open woodland areas, where they are often seen energetically foraging for insects and spiders. They can be found darting through bushes and low branches with their tails pointed upwards, pausing occasionally to serenade with their pleasant tunes.
Their diet predominantly consists of insects and spiders, including beetles, caterpillars, and flies. Additionally, they consume snail shells to meet their calcium requirements.
The nests of House Wrens are typically found in old woodpecker holes, nesting boxes, or similar small spaces. They favor lightly wooded surroundings, building their nests from twigs and lining them with softer materials. They lay between 3 to 10 eggs, which take about two weeks to hatch, with the fledglings taking another two weeks to leave the nest.
To attract House Wrens to your backyard, consider leaving brush piles around or installing a nesting box.
Interesting tidbit: House Wrens, despite their small size, are incredibly feisty. In their quest for the most desirable nesting spots, they often intimidate larger birds, occasionally evicting eggs or chicks from a nest they wish to claim as their own.
2. Marsh Wren
During their breeding period, Marsh Wrens can be observed in North Dakota, showing up on roughly 11% of birdwatchers’ summer tally sheets. These birds start making their appearance as early as April, with some lingering until November. However, the prime time to spot them is between May and October.
Marsh Wrens exhibit a brown coloration, adorned with black and white streaks across their backs. The underside presents a grayish-brown hue, and they carry the classic erect tail characteristic of wrens.
These birds are devoid of stripes on their shoulders and have longer beaks compared to Sedge Wrens. There are no visible differences between the male and female Marsh Wrens.
Scientific Name: Cistothorus palustris Measurements: Length varies from 3.9 to 5.5 inches (10-14 cm), and wingspan measures around 5.9 inches (15 cm) Weight: They weigh between 0.3 to 0.5 ounces (9-14 g)
Marsh Wrens spend their breeding season in the northern parts of the US and central regions of Canada, migrating to the southern states and Mexico thereafter. Some populations along the Atlantic Coast and in the west may stay put throughout the year. They can be sighted during their migratory phase in the Eastern US.
Marsh Wrens inhabit wetlands, often seen clinging onto reeds, each foot clasping a different stalk. While they may be challenging to spot, their singing amidst the reeds, particularly at dawn and dusk, gives away their presence.
Their diet primarily consists of insects and spiders, which they forage from leaves close to water bodies.
Marsh Wrens build nests that are fully enclosed, save for a small entrance at the top. These nests are constructed from reeds and grasses intricately woven together. They lay between 3 to 10 eggs, which take about two weeks to hatch, and another two weeks for the fledglings to leave the nest.
Interesting trivia: Marsh Wrens are known to construct as many as twenty dummy nests, attaching them to cattails. However, they usually occupy only one and have been observed to destroy the eggs and offspring of competing birds.
3. Sedge Wren
Sedge Wrens are a sight to behold in North Dakota during the summer months, from late April to November, appearing in about 6% of summer birdwatching records.
These small wrens display a brownish color, darker on the top with noticeable streaks and bars, while the underparts are lighter. A faint eyebrow stripe is a distinctive feature of these birds. Both male and female Sedge Wrens have similar appearances.
Sedge Wrens bear a close resemblance to Marsh Wrens and can be found in similar damp habitats. However, Marsh Wrens can be distinguished by their unstriped shoulders and lighter belly regions.
Scientific Name: Cistothorus stellaris Measurements: Length ranges between 3.9 to 4.7 inches (10-12 cm), and the wingspan is approximately 4.7 to 5.5 inches (12-14 cm) Weight: These birds weigh between 0.3 to 0.3 ounces (7-10 g)
Sedge Wrens breed in southern Canada, the Midwest, and occasionally further east in the US. Post breeding, they migrate and winter in the southeastern states and northern Mexico, particularly near the Gulf and Atlantic coast.
Sedge Wrens are typically hidden dwellers, preferring wet grasslands, marshes, and meadows abundant in vegetation. They tend to favor shallower regions compared to Marsh Wrens and actively hunt for insects and spiders.
Interesting trivia: Sedge Wrens display a rather unfriendly behavior. They are known to puncture the eggs of their fellow Sedge Wrens nesting in close proximity, leading to their destruction.
4. Rock Wren
Rock Wrens make their appearance in North Dakota during the summer, featuring in about 1% of birdwatching checklists. They can be seen from April, with a few remaining until November, but the best time to spot them is from June through September.
Sporting a pale brown back adorned with darker specks, Rock Wrens have barred patterns on their wings and tail. Their undersides are light, but the lower flanks and belly display a buff tint.
Characteristics that set them apart include a light eyebrow stripe, a long slightly curved beak, and dark-colored legs. Both male and female Rock Wrens share the same coloration. A notable behavior of Rock Wrens is their bobbing motion, particularly when they’re disturbed, which can aid in identifying them.
Scientific Name: Salpinctes obsoletus Measurements: The length varies between 4.9 to 5.9 inches (12.5-15 cm), and they have a wingspan of about 8.7 to 9.4 inches (22-24 cm) Weight: They weigh between 0.5 to 0.6 ounces (15-18 g)
Rock Wrens inhabit dry, stony regions in the western US and southwestern Canada. Those residing in the south and west are year-round inhabitants, while those in the central US migrate south to escape the winter chill.
Rock Wrens can be spotted in arid, rocky regions with sparse vegetation, where they feed on insects discovered within rock crevices.
The nests of Rock Wrens are typically ground-based, often within a cavity or depression in rocky terrain. They layer small stones, followed by softer materials like wool and moss. They can lay up to 8 eggs and reproduce up to three times in a year.
Intriguing trivia: Rock Wrens construct a pathway made of stones and other items leading to their nest, although the purpose of this is yet unknown. Moreover, they do not drink water, instead deriving all the hydration they need from the insects they consume.
5. Winter Wren
Winter Wrens are considered rare visitors in North Dakota, though there were a few recorded sightings in the year 2021.
These birds are small and plump, featuring a brown color with darker bars on their wings, tail, and belly. A lighter stripe is visible above their eyes, and they possess short tails, often held erect. There’s no distinguishable difference between male and female Winter Wrens.
Winter Wrens bear a striking resemblance to Pacific Wrens. In fact, they were once believed to be the same species, but they are now classified separately due to their differing songs.
Scientific Name: Troglodytes hiemalis Measurements: Their length ranges from 3.1 to 4.7 inches (8-12 cm), with a wingspan measuring between 4.7 to 6.3 inches (12-16 cm) Weight: These birds weigh approximately 0.3 to 0.4 ounces (8-12 g)
Winter Wrens are usually found in the eastern US during winter, while in summer, they migrate to the northeastern US and Canada.
Winter Wrens tend to remain hidden within the dense undergrowth in forests and backyards. They feed on insects and spiders, often foraging through fallen leaves and decaying bark.
The nests of Winter Wrens are constructed from twigs, moss, and grass, woven together to form a round structure with a small opening. They lay between 1 to 9 eggs, which typically take around two to two and a half weeks to hatch, and the same duration for the young ones to fledge.
To attract Winter Wrens to your backyard, consider growing native plants and promoting dense vegetation.
An interesting fact: The nests of Winter Wrens are round and feature a small entry point, and they are sometimes suspended from trees.
6. Carolina Wren
Carolina Wrens are considered an unusual sight in North Dakota, categorized as an accidental species. The last recorded sighting of these elusive birds was around Bismarck in 2020.
Characterized by their timid nature, Carolina Wrens exhibit a dark brown color on the upper parts and a lighter brown on their underparts. They have a distinct white stripe over their eyes and a tail that is often held upright.
Scientific Name: Thryothorus ludovicianus Measurements: They measure between 4.7 to 5.5 inches (12-14 cm) in length, with a wingspan of around 11.4 inches (29 cm) Weight: They weigh between 0.6 to 0.8 ounces (18-22 g)
Carolina Wrens are year-round residents across the Eastern and Southeastern States.
These birds can be found in forested areas or places with thick vegetation, and they’re also known to frequent backyard feeders. Their diet primarily consists of insects and spiders, but they’ve been known to consume lizards, frogs, and even snakes on occasion.
Carolina Wrens are versatile when it comes to nest-building. They generally prefer trees but aren’t picky, constructing nests in a wide variety of natural and artificial locations. Their nests are often nearly round, featuring a small side opening. They lay between 3 to 7 eggs, which typically take about two weeks to hatch, with the fledglings taking another two weeks to leave the nest.
To attract Carolina Wrens to your backyard feeders, consider providing suet feeders, hulled sunflower seeds, or peanut hearts in large tube or platform feeders.
Here’s an interesting tidbit: Carolina Wrens are known to mate for life.
7. Canyon Wren
Canyon Wrens are recognized as rare or accidental species in North Dakota, with the most recent sighting in the state’s records dating back to 2014.
These birds are sturdy and brown, sporting white throats and lighter barred tails. Their heads possess a grayish-brown color with speckles. Canyon Wrens have short, robust legs that they use to grip onto rocky surfaces. There’s no distinguishable difference between males and females.
One key feature to note: While they inhabit similar rocky terrains as Rock Wrens, Canyon Wrens can be distinguished by their white throats and darker bellies.
Scientific Name: Catherpes mexicanus Measurements: Their length varies from 4.5 to 6.1 inches (11.4-15.4 cm), and they sport a wingspan of 7.1 to 7.9 inches (18-20 cm) Weight: They weigh approximately 0.3 to 0.7 ounces (9.9-18.3 g)
Canyon Wrens inhabit the western regions, spanning from southern British Columbia through western US states and down into Mexico. These birds do not migrate.
Canyon Wrens can be spotted in rocky terrains where they search for insects and spiders hidden in crevices. Their short, powerful legs enable them to cling onto rocks and even ascend vertical cliffs.
The nests of Canyon Wrens are constructed in rock crevices using twigs and grasses, and they’re lined with wool and feathers.
An intriguing fact about these birds: Canyon Wrens are known to snatch food from spider webs and wasp nests.
8. Bewick’s Wren
Bewick’s Wrens, while categorized as accidental species in North Dakota, have not been observed in the region for quite some time, according to available records.
Characterized by their brown backs and long, gray, upright tails adorned with darker bars, Bewick’s Wrens also feature gray underbellies and a distinct white stripe above their eyes.
Scientific Name: Thryomanes bewickii Dimensions: They measure roughly 5.1 inches (13 cm) in length Weight: Their weight ranges between 0.3 and 0.4 ounces (8-12 g)
Bewick’s Wrens are year-round residents in southern and western states, with minor winter migrations noted.
Bewick’s Wrens can be found in scrublands, thickets, and open woodlands, where they energetically hop from one branch to another, flicking their long tails.
Their diet predominantly consists of insects and larvae, including bees, bugs, caterpillars, and beetles.
Bewick’s Wrens typically build their nests on rock ledges, in old woodpecker nests, nest boxes, or crevices in buildings. The nests are cup-shaped, constructed from sticks and grasses, and lined with a softer material. They lay between 3 and 8 eggs, with hatching typically taking around two weeks and an additional two weeks for the chicks to fledge.
To attract Bewick’s Wrens to your backyard, consider providing suet, mealworms, and hulled sunflower seeds.
An interesting fact: The decline of Bewick’s Wrens in the eastern US is likely due to the actions of House Wrens, which are known to destroy their eggs.
How to Lure Wrens to Your Backyard
Inviting wrens to your backyard provides the delightful opportunity to enjoy their melodious songs and lively antics up close. However, only a select few wren species, such as House Wrens, Carolina Wrens, and Berwick Wrens, are known to frequent backyards.
Frequency of Wren Sightings in Summer and Winter in North Dakota
Checklists are a valuable tool in determining which bird species are most commonly spotted. These lists, available on ebird, indicate the frequency at which different wren species are reported in both summer and winter.