In the realm of North America, a total of 11 wren species have been spotted, and within the boundaries of Delaware, 6 of these species have been observed. Among the Delaware wrens, 5 are considered to be regularly present, while one occurrence is deemed accidental.
Throughout the year in Delaware, you will find the Carolina Wren making its residence. Meanwhile, during the summertime, both House Wrens and Marsh Wrens grace the state with their presence. Additionally, Winter Wrens are known to visit during the summer season. As for wrens observed during migration, the Sedge Wren is the one to watch out for. Lastly, there is Bewick’s Wren, which may occasionally be spotted in Delaware.
Wrens, as unremarkable-looking songbirds, possess remarkable personalities. They exhibit a brown coloration, modest size, and plumpness, characterized by their distinctively erect tails and robust vocalizations.
The domain of wrens extends across the New World, encompassing North and South America. However, the Eurasian Wren is an exception to this pattern, as it belongs to the Old World, with a presence in Europe and Africa. Wrens are members of the avian family Troglodyidae.
The primary diet of wrens consists of insects and spiders. This dietary preference enables them to thrive in a variety of environments, even those with extreme conditions such as arid regions and rocky terrains with sparse vegetation.
Initially, it was believed that the Winter Wren, Pacific Wren, and Eurasian Wren were one and the same species. However, they have now been recognized as three distinct species.
Throughout history, wrens have held significance in folklore and symbolism. In European traditions, it was once believed that harming wrens would bring about ill fortune.
To aid you in identifying the different wren species in Delaware, this guide, based on avibase, offers valuable insights. The wrens are listed in order of their frequency of sightings, ranging from the most commonly observed to the least, as reported by birdwatchers who have contributed to ebird checklists for the state.
For a comprehensive collection of bird identification photographs specific to Delaware, you can acquire a free guide that will assist you in identifying numerous avian visitors to your own backyard.
Delaware is home to the following 5 wren species:
1. Carolina Wren
2. House Wren
3. Marsh Wren
4. Winter Wren
5. Sedge Wren
6. Bewick’s Wren
Carolina Wren
Carolina Wrens hold the distinction of being the most frequently encountered wrens in Delaware, and they do not engage in migration. Their presence is noted in 37% of summer checklists and 32% of winter checklists submitted by avid birdwatchers in the state.
Carolina Wrens are rather shy birds, displaying dark brown upperparts and light brown underparts. They possess a distinct white eyebrow stripe and an erect tail.
Scientific Name: Thryothorus ludovicianus
Length: 4.7-5.5 in (12-14 cm)
Weight: 0.6-0.8 oz (18-22 g)
Wingspan: 11.4 in (29 cm)
Carolina Wrens reside throughout the year in the Eastern and Southeastern regions of the United States.
These wrens can be found in wooded areas or densely vegetated habitats, and they occasionally visit backyard feeders. Their diet primarily consists of insects and spiders, but they have been known to consume lizards, frogs, and snakes.
Carolina Wren sounds: Their vocalizations consist of short, quick whistles.
Bobby Wilcox, XC616879. Retrieved from www.xeno-canto.org/616879.
The nests of Carolina Wrens are typically located in trees, although they are not particularly picky and will construct their nests in various natural or artificial settings. These nests are often nearly circular, featuring a small side opening. Carolina Wrens lay between 3 and 7 eggs, with an incubation period of approximately two weeks, followed by an additional two weeks for the chicks to fledge.
To attract Carolina Wrens to your backyard, consider utilizing suet feeders, hulled sunflower seeds, or peanut hearts in large tube or platform feeders.
Interesting fact: Carolina Wrens form lifelong pairs.
House Wren
House Wrens are most commonly encountered in Delaware from April to October, appearing in 28% of summer checklists before embarking on their winter migration.
These small, nondescript, round brown birds possess wings and tails adorned with darker barring, along with a paler throat. Both male and female House Wrens exhibit similar appearances.
Distinguishing features: The eyestripe in House Wrens is less prominent compared to other wren species.
Scientific Name: Troglodytes aedon
Length: 4.3-5.1 in (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (10-12 g)
Wingspan: 5.9 in (15 cm)
During the summer, House Wrens engage in breeding activities within the United States and Southern Canada, subsequently migrating to the South and Mexico for the winter season.
You can spot House Wrens in backyards, parks, and open woodland areas, as they forage for insects and spiders. They exhibit energetic movements, hopping through tangled vegetation and low branches with their tails held upright, occasionally pausing to sing their cheerful songs.
House Wrens feed on insects and spiders, such as beetles, caterpillars, and flies. They also consume snail shells as a source of calcium.
House Wren sounds: While not particularly melodic, they produce a series of disordered notes that vary in pitch and speed.
Peter Boesman, XC693927. Retrieved from www.xeno-canto.org/693927.
The nests of House Wrens are typically found in old woodpecker cavities, nest boxes, or 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 between 3 and 10 eggs, with an incubation period of approximately two weeks, followed by an additional two weeks for the chicks to fledge.
To attract House Wrens to your backyard, create brush piles or set up nest boxes.
Interesting fact: House Wrens, despite their small size, display a fierce nature when it comes to securing the best nest sites, often antagonizing larger birds and even removing eggs or nestlings from a desired nesting location.
Marsh Wren
Marsh Wrens can be observed in Delaware during the breeding season and account for 18% of summer checklists. While they are most commonly sighted from May to August, some individuals can be found in the area all year round.
Marsh Wrens feature brown plumage with black and white streaks on their backs. Their underparts have a grayish-brown tone, and they exhibit the signature erect tail of wrens.
Marsh Wrens lack shoulder stripes and possess longer bills compared to Sedge Wrens. Both males and females share a similar appearance.
Scientific Name: Cistothorus palustris
Length: 3.9-5.5 in (10-14 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz (9-14 g)
Wingspan: 5.9 in (15 cm)
Marsh Wrens breed in the northern states of the United States and central Canada before embarking on migration to southern states and Mexico. Some individuals along the Atlantic Coast and in western regions may remain in the area throughout the year. During migration, they can be spotted in the eastern part of the United States.
You can locate Marsh Wrens in wetlands, where they cling to reeds with each foot gripping a separate stalk. They may be challenging to spot but listen for their melodious songs emanating from the reeds, particularly during the dawn and dusk hours.
Their diet primarily consists of insects and spiders, which they gather from leaves in close proximity to the water.
Marsh Wren sounds: They produce a distinctive buzzing song that can last for up to 20 minutes.
Jarrod Swackhamer, XC591813. Retrieved from www.xeno-canto.org/591813.
The nests of Marsh Wrens are fully enclosed, featuring a small opening at the top. These nests are constructed using reeds and grasses woven together. Marsh Wrens lay between 3 and 10 eggs, with an incubation period of approximately two weeks, followed by an additional two weeks for the chicks to fledge.
Interesting facts: Marsh Wrens often construct numerous dummy nests attached to cattails, although they typically utilize only one nest and may destroy the eggs and nestlings of rival birds.
Winter Wren
Winter Wrens can be observed during the winter in Delaware, accounting for 3% of checklists. They begin arriving in September and some remain until April, with the best months for sightings being November and December.
These small, plump brown birds exhibit darker barring on their wings, tail, and belly. They possess a paler eyebrow stripe and short, upright tails. Male and female Winter Wrens share similar appearances.
Winter Wrens bear a close resemblance to Pacific Wrens, and they were once considered the same species. However, they are now recognized as distinct species, each with its unique song.
Scientific Name: Troglodytes hiemalis
Length: 3.1-4.7 in (8-12 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (8-12 g)
Wingspan: 4.7-6.3 in (12-16 cm)
Winter Wrens are found in the eastern states of the United States during winter and the northeastern states and Canada during summer.
To spot Winter Wrens, search within dense undergrowth in forests and backyards. They feed on insects and spiders by rummaging through fallen leaves and decaying bark.
Winter Wren sounds: Their songs are long, bubbly, and sweet, lasting up to 10 seconds and distinct from the songs of Pacific Wrens.
David Welch, XC575300. Retrieved from www.xeno-canto.org/575300.
The nests of Winter Wrens are constructed using twigs, moss, and grass, forming a round shape with a small opening. They lay between 1 and 9 eggs, with an incubation period of approximately two to two and a half weeks, followed by an additional two weeks for the chicks to fledge.
To attract Winter Wrens to your backyard, provide native plants and maintain dense vegetation.
Interesting fact: Winter Wren nests are typically round with a small opening and may even hang from trees.
Sedge Wren
While Sedge Wrens are rarely observed in Delaware, they are classified as regularly occurring in the state. They are most commonly spotted during the fall migration period in August.
Sedge Wrens are small, brown wrens with darker upperparts exhibiting streaks and barring, and paler underparts. They possess a small, light eyebrow stripe. Male and female Sedge Wrens share a similar appearance.
Sedge Wrens resemble Marsh Wrens and can be found in similar wet habitats, but they lack striped shoulders and feature lighter bellies.
Scientific Name: Cistothorus stellaris
Length: 3.9-4.7 in (10-12 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.3 oz (7-10 g)
Wingspan: 4.7-5.5 in (12-14 cm)
Sedge Wrens breed in southern Canada, the Midwest, and occasionally farther east in the United States. They migrate to spend the winter in southeastern states and northern Mexico, typically near the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.
You can find Sedge Wrens concealed in wet grasslands, marshy areas, and meadows abundant with vegetation. They tend to prefer shallower areas compared to Marsh Wrens and actively hunt for insects and spiders.
Sedge Wren sounds: Their songs consist of a few short notes followed by a series of more rapid notes at a similar pitch.
Paul Driver, XC659291. Retrieved from www.xeno-canto.org/659291.
Interesting fact: Sedge Wrens display territorial behavior and may puncture the eggs of neighboring Sedge Wrens, effectively destroying them.
Bewick’s Wren
While Bewick’s Wrens are exceedingly rare in Delaware, they have been accepted by the Delaware Ornithological Society as accidental species within the state.
Bewick’s Wrens feature brown upperparts with long gray upright tails adorned with darker barring. They possess gray bellies and a white stripe above the eye.
Scientific Name: Thryomanes bewickii
Length: 5.1 in (13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (8-12 g)
Bewick’s Wrens inhabit southern and western states throughout the year, with minor movements occurring during winter.
You can find Bewick’s Wrens in scrublands, thickets, and open woodlands, where they hop from branch to branch, frequently flicking their long tails.
They primarily feed on insects and larvae, including bees, bugs, caterpillars, and beetles.
Bewick’s Wren sounds: Their songs commence with a couple of short, higher notes followed by lower-pitched, buzzy notes.
Manuel Grosselet, XC687852. Retrieved from www.xeno-canto.org/687852.
Nests of Bewick’s Wrens are situated on rock ledges, in old woodpecker nests, nest boxes, or crevices within buildings. These cup-shaped nests are constructed using sticks and grasses, lined with softer materials. Bewick’s Wrens lay between 3 and 8 eggs, with an incubation period of around two weeks and fledging occurring two weeks later.
To attract Bewick’s Wrens to your backyard, provide suet, mealworms, and hulled sunflower seeds.
Interesting fact: The decline of Bewick’s Wrens in the eastern United States can be attributed to the House Wren, as they would destroy the eggs of Bewick’s Wrens when nesting in close proximity.
How to Attract Wrens to Your Backyard
Having wrens visit your backyard allows you to appreciate their beautiful melodies and observe their energetic behavior up close. While only a few species of wrens regularly visit backyards, such as House Wrens, Carolina Wrens, and Bewick’s Wrens, you can employ several strategies to attract them:
1. Embrace a slightly untidy yard: Provide habitats for insects and spiders, which serve as wrens’ favorite food sources. Leave fallen leaves, create brush piles, and allow spider webs to exist.
2. Offer clean water sources: Preferably provide running water in multiple locations.
3. Provide suitable nesting sites: Wrens will utilize nest boxes or even unconventional options like old boots if left outside.
4. Offer appropriate food: Wrens feed on mealworms, crickets, and other insects. Additionally, try providing peanut pieces and suet.
How Frequently Wrens are Spotted in Summer and Winter in Georgia
Checklists are valuable resources for identifying commonly sighted birds. The following lists indicate the prevalence of wren species recorded on eBird checklists during summer and winter in Georgia.
Wrens in Georgia in Summer:
– Carolina Wren: 37.9%
– House Wren: 28.2%
– Marsh Wren: 18.0%
– Sedge Wren: 0.1%
Wrens in Georgia in Winter:
– Carolina Wren: 32.9%
– Winter Wren: 3.1%
– Marsh Wren: 0.7%
– Sedge Wren: 0.1%
– House Wren: Less than 0.1%