Wrens, the unremarkable-looking songbirds with charming personalities, possess notable characteristics. These relatively small, plump birds, adorned in brown plumage, boast distinctive upright tails and resonant voices.
Belonging to the Troglodyidae family, wrens are New World avian creatures, inhabiting the Americas—North and South—excluding the Eurasian Wren found in Europe and Africa.
North America is home to eleven wren species, with California boasting the presence of nine species. Of these, eight are regularly observed, while one is a rare occurrence.
In California, the following wren species can be found throughout the year: Bewick’s Wrens, Pacific Wrens, Marsh Wrens, Rock Wrens, Cactus Wrens, and Canyon Wrens.
House Wrens, on the other hand, visit California during the summer, while Winter Wrens grace the region during the winter season.
The wrens’ diet mainly consists of insects and spiders, enabling them to adapt to diverse environments, including arid and rocky areas with minimal vegetation.
Initially, Winter Wrens, Pacific Wrens, and Eurasian Wrens were believed to be the same species. However, recent classifications recognize them as distinct entities.
Throughout history, wrens have held significance in folklore and symbolism. In Europe, it was once believed that harming wrens would invite misfortune.
To aid in identifying California’s wren species, this comprehensive guide follows Avibase’s categorization. The wrens are listed in order of their frequency of sightings, as reported by bird watchers on ebird.
For a convenient reference, you can acquire a free bird identification photo guide specifically tailored to California, enabling you to identify various avian visitors in your backyard.
California is home to nine wren species, including:
1. Bewick’s Wren
2. House Wren
3. Marsh Wren
4. Pacific Wren
5. Rock Wren
6. Cactus Wren
7. Canyon Wren
8. Winter Wren
9. Sedge Wren
Let’s delve deeper into each species:
Bewick’s Wren
This wren species is frequently spotted in California, with a consistent presence throughout the year. It appears in 18% of summer checklists and 16% of winter checklists submitted by keen birdwatchers in the state.
Bewick’s Wrens possess brown-backed bodies with distinct gray upright tails adorned with darker barring. They exhibit gray bellies and a white stripe above their eyes.
Scientific name: Thryomanes bewickii
Size: 5.1 inches (13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (8-12 g)
Bewick’s Wrens are year-round residents of southern and western states, with slight movements during the winter season. These wrens can be found in scrublands, thickets, and open woodlands, where they nimbly hop between branches while flicking their long tails.
Their diet primarily consists of insects and larvae, encompassing bees, bugs, caterpillars, and beetles.
When it comes to their songs, Bewick’s Wrens commence with a couple of short, higher-pitched notes, followed by lower-pitched buzzy notes.
Nesting sites for Bewick’s Wrens include rock ledges, old woodpecker nests, nest boxes, and crevices in buildings. Constructed in a cup-like shape, these nests are composed of sticks and grasses, lined with softer materials. The wrens lay 3 to 8 eggs, with a two-week incubation period and an additional two weeks for fledging.
To attract Bewick’s Wrens to your backyard, consider providing suet, mealworms, and hulled sunflower seeds.
Fun fact: Bewick’s Wrens have experienced a decline in the eastern US, partly due to the aggressive nature of House Wrens, which often destroy their eggs.
House Wren
While House Wrens can be seen throughout the year, they are more commonly observed during the summer in California. They appear in 12% of summer checklists and 4% of winter checklists submitted by diligent birdwatchers in the state.
House Wrens are nondescript small birds with round bodies, adorned in brown plumage with darker barred wings and tails. They possess paler throats, and both males and females exhibit similar appearances.
Noteworthy feature: The eyestripe is less conspicuous compared to other wren species.
Scientific name: Troglodytes aedon
Size: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (10-12 g)
Wingspan: 5.9 inches (15 cm)
During summer, House Wrens breed in the United States and southern Canada before embarking on a migratory journey to the southern regions and Mexico for winter.
These energetic birds can be found in backyards, parks, and open woods, diligently foraging for insects and spiders. Their lively activities include energetic hopping through tangled foliage and low branches while holding their tails up high, occasionally pausing to emit their cheerful songs.
In addition to insects and spiders, House Wrens also consume snail shells as a source of calcium.
Regarding their songs, House Wrens may lack melodious tunes but compensate with a series of jumbled notes that vary in pitch and speed.
Nests of House Wrens are typically found in old woodpecker holes, nest boxes, and other small crevices. They exhibit a preference for lightly wooded areas and construct their nests using twigs, lining them with softer materials. House Wrens lay 3 to 10 eggs, requiring around two weeks for incubation and an additional two weeks for fledging.
To entice House Wrens to your backyard, consider leaving piles of brush or installing nest boxes.
Fun fact: Despite their small size, House Wrens display fierce behavior, often harassing larger birds to claim the best nesting spots, occasionally even removing eggs or nestlings from occupied nests.
Marsh Wren
Marsh Wrens are more frequently observed in California during the winter season, spanning from September to May. However, some individuals remain year-round. They are recorded in 4% of summer checklists and 6% of winter checklists.
Marsh Wrens boast brown plumage adorned with black and white streaks on their backs. Their undersides exhibit a grayish-brown hue, and they possess the iconic upright tail characteristic of wrens.
Distinguished by the absence of shoulder stripes and longer bills compared to Sedge Wrens, both male and female Marsh Wrens showcase similar appearances.
Scientific name: Cistothorus palustris
Size: 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. Some individuals along the Atlantic Coast and western regions may remain year-round. During migration, Marsh Wrens can be spotted in the eastern US.
To locate Marsh Wrens, explore wetlands where they cling to reeds, employing each foot to secure a different stalk. Their inconspicuous presence necessitates attentive listening for their distinctive songs, particularly during dawn and dusk.
Insects and spiders form the primary components of Marsh Wrens’ diet. They diligently pluck these prey from leaves in close proximity to water sources.
When it comes to their songs, Marsh Wrens produce a distinctive buzzy melody, capable of lasting up to 20 minutes.
Nests of Marsh Wrens are fully enclosed, except for a small opening at the top. Composed of reeds and grasses intricately woven together, these nests accommodate the laying of 3 to 10 eggs. Incubation takes around two weeks, with fledging occurring in another two weeks.
Fun facts: Marsh Wrens often construct numerous dummy nests attached to cattails, although they predominantly utilize only one. These resourceful wrens may destroy eggs and nestlings of rival birds.
Pacific Wren
Pacific Wrens are present in California throughout the year and feature in 2% of summer checklists and 1% of winter checklists for the state.
These wrens display brown plumage, with darker barring on their wings, tail, and belly. They possess a paler eyebrow stripe and short, upright tails. Both males and females exhibit similar appearances.
Notable attribute: Pacific Wrens are the smallest wren species in the United States.
Scientific name: Troglodytes pacificus
Size: 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 inhabit the West Coast, stretching from Alaska to California. While coastal individuals remain year-round, those residing inland in Canada migrate south for winter.
In forests, Pacific Wrens can be found on the ground, often concealed amidst a carpet of leaves and decaying logs. They primarily feed on insects, spiders, flies, and bees.
Their songs comprise a long, jumbled sequence of various fast, high-pitched notes.
Nests of Pacific Wrens are crafted from twigs, moss, and grass, woven together in a round shape, featuring a small entrance. These nests accommodate the laying of 1 to 9 eggs. Incubation takes around two weeks, followed by fledging.
To attract Pacific Wrens to your backyard, cultivate native plants and dense vegetation, while considering the installation of nest boxes.
Fun fact: Pacific Wrens display communal behavior, often huddling together in close proximity to combat the cold. It is not uncommon to find over 30 individuals sharing a single nest box.
Rock Wren
Rock Wrens are year-round residents of California and appear in 1% of both summer and winter checklists.
Adorned in pale brown plumage with darker flecks, Rock Wrens feature barring on their wings and tail, while exhibiting a pale underside with buff coloring on the lower flanks and belly.
Distinctive characteristics include a pale eyebrow stripe, a long slightly curved bill, and dark legs. Male and female Rock Wrens possess similar coloring. These wrens are known for their characteristic bobbing motion, particularly when agitated, aiding in their identification.
Scientific name: Salpinctes obsoletus
Size: 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 are primarily found in dry, rocky areas across western US states and southwestern Canada. While individuals in the south and west remain year-round, those residing in central US states migrate south for winter.
To spot Rock Wrens, explore arid rocky regions with minimal vegetation. They forage for insects concealed within rock crevices.
Rock Wrens produce songs consisting of a repertoire of over 100 tunes, often repeating the same sound several times before transitioning to a different sound. Each rendition of their songs features varying pitches.
Nests of Rock Wrens are typically constructed on the ground, often in cavities or depressions within rocky areas. These nests incorporate a layer of small stones, followed by softer materials like wool and moss. Rock Wrens can lay up to 8 eggs, and they may have up to 3 broods in a year.
Fun facts: Rock Wrens build walkways comprised of stones and other objects leading to their nests, although the purpose of this behavior remains unknown. Additionally, these wrens derive their moisture requirements from their insect diet and do not drink water.
Cactus Wren
Cactus Wrens are non-migratory residents of California, primarily inhabiting the southern region of the state. They are recorded in 1% of both summer and winter checklists.
Distinguished by their speckled undersides, bold eyebrow stripe, and larger size, Cactus Wrens exhibit brown plumage with abundant streaking. Unlike most wrens, they lack an upright tail, opting to fan their tails, revealing white tips.
Scientific name: Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus
Size: 7.1-8.7 inches (18-22 cm)
Weight: 1.1-1.7 ounces (32-47 g)
Cactus Wrens thrive in dry areas within southwestern states, spanning from California to Texas and Mexico.
Unlike their counterparts, Cactus Wrens venture into open spaces, perching atop cacti to sing or consume cactus fruits. They can also be observed on the ground, hunting insects and spiders by rummaging through leaves and debris.
The distinctive song of Cactus Wrens consists of a buzzy two-tone melody that often increases in volume as it progresses.
Nests of Cactus Wrens take on a round shape with a small tunnel entrance and are constructed within desert vegetation. They lay 2 to 7 eggs, with an incubation period of around two and a half weeks, followed by fledging in approximately three weeks.
Fun fact: Cactus Wrens do not require water consumption, as they acquire all necessary moisture from their insect and fruit diet.
Canyon Wren
Canyon Wrens are non-migratory and can be found in California throughout the year.
These stocky brown birds feature white throats and lighter barred tails. Their heads exhibit a grayish-brown hue with speckles. With short, sturdy legs, Canyon Wrens adeptly cling to rocks. Both male and female Canyon Wrens exhibit similar appearances.
Distinguishing feature: While they inhabit similar rocky areas as Rock Wrens, Canyon Wrens possess a white throat and dark belly.
Scientific name: Catherpes mexicanus
Size: 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 are primarily found in western regions, extending from southern British Columbia through western US states and into Mexico. They do not partake in migration.
To spot Canyon Wrens, explore rocky areas rich in crevices where they forage for insects and spiders. Their short, sturdy legs enable them to cling to rocks and even scale vertical cliffs.
Their songs consist of a descending melody that gradually slows, culminating in a few raspy notes.
Nests of Canyon Wrens are intricately built within crevices, utilizing twigs and grasses, lined with wool and feathers.
Fun fact: Canyon Wrens exhibit unique behavior, stealing food from spider webs and wasp nests.
Winter Wren
Winter Wrens are considered rare or accidental species in California, although a few sightings have been reported in recent years.
These small, plump birds display brown plumage with darker barring on their wings, tail, and belly. They possess a paler eyebrow stripe and short, upright tails. Both male and female Winter Wrens showcase similar appearances.
Winter Wrens closely resemble Pacific Wrens and were initially classified as the same species. However, they are now recognized as distinct entities, characterized by their distinct songs.
Scientific name: Troglodytes hiemalis
Size: 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 US states during winter, while they inhabit northeastern US states and Canada during summer.
To locate Winter Wrens, explore tangled undergrowth within forests and backyards. They forage for insects and spiders by rummaging through fallen leaves and decaying bark.
Winter Wrens produce a long, bubbly, and sweet song, slower than that of Pacific Wrens, lasting up to 10 seconds.
Nests of Winter Wrens are constructed using twigs, moss, and grass woven together into a round shape with a small opening. They lay 1 to 9 eggs, requiring an incubation period of two to two and a half weeks, followed by fledging.
To attract Winter Wrens to your backyard, foster native plants and maintain dense vegetation.
Fun fact: Winter Wrens build round nests, sometimes suspended from trees.
Sedge Wren
Sedge Wrens are rarely observed in California, but they are recognized as occasionally occurring. The most recent sighting in the state dates back to 2017 on Santa Barbara Island.
These small brown wrens feature darker upper bodies adorned with streaks and barring, alongside paler undersides. They possess a light eyebrow stripe, and male and female Sedge Wrens exhibit similar appearances.
Sedge Wrens bear resemblance to Marsh Wrens and are found in similar wet habitats. However, they lack striped shoulders and showcase lighter bellies.
Scientific name: Cistothorus stellaris
Size: 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 in eastern US states. They migrate south for winter, spending the season in southeastern states and northern Mexico along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.
To spot Sedge Wrens, explore wet grasslands, marshy areas, and meadows with abundant vegetation. They remain hidden within this foliage and diligently hunt for insects and spiders.
Their songs consist of a few short notes followed by several rapid notes at a similar pitch.
Fun fact: Sedge Wrens display territorial behavior, often piercing the eggs of neighboring Sedge Wrens, effectively destroying them.
Attracting Wrens to Your Backyard
Hosting wrens in your backyard provides the opportunity to enjoy their melodious songs and observe their lively behavior. While only a few wren species regularly visit backyards, including House Wrens, Carolina Wrens, and Bewick’s Wrens, you can adopt various strategies to attract these avian visitors:
1. Embrace a slightly untidy environment, allowing habitats for insects and spiders, which form wrens’ favorite food sources. Leave fallen leaves and create brush piles to encourage biodiversity.
2. Provide a clean water source, preferably one with running water, in multiple locations within your backyard.
3. Establish suitable nesting sites by installing nest boxes or leaving out old boots and other cozy spaces.
4. Supplement their diet by offering mealworms, crickets, peanuts, and suet, which are all favored by wrens.
By implementing these strategies, you can increase the chances of attracting wrens to your backyard, offering you the opportunity to appreciate their delightful presence.
Frequency of Wren Sightings in Summer and Winter
Checklists serve as valuable resources to determine the frequency of bird sightings. Based on eBird checklists submitted by avid birdwatchers, the following is an overview of the most commonly observed wrens in California during summer and winter:
Wrens in Summer:
1. Bewick’s Wren – 18.6%
2. House Wren – 12.1%
3. Marsh Wren – 4.9%
4. Pacific Wren – 2.6%
5. Rock Wren – 1.6%
6. Canyon Wren – 1.0%
7. Cactus Wren – 1.0%
8. Sedge Wren – <0.1%
Wrens in Winter:
1. Bewick’s Wren – 16.2%
2. Marsh Wren – 6.4%
3. House Wren – 4.0%
4. Rock Wren – 1.8%
5. Pacific Wren – 1.4%
6. Cactus Wren – 0.9%
7. Canyon Wren – 0.6%
8. Winter Wren – <0.1%
9. Sedge Wren – <0.1%