In North America, a total of 11 wren species have been sighted, with 9 of them being found in Kansas. Among these, seven are regularly observed, while two are accidental visitors. This comprehensive handbook aims to assist you in identifying these wrens by their appearance and vocalizations.
Throughout the year in Kansas, two wren species can be observed: the Carolina Wren and Bewick’s Wren. During the summer, House Wrens are prevalent, while Winter Wrens are commonly seen in winter. In Kansas during migration periods, Marsh Wrens, Sedge Wrens, and Rock Wrens can be spotted. Additionally, keep an eye out for Pacific Wrens and Canyon Wrens.
Wrens, though visually unremarkable, possess captivating personalities. They are relatively small, plump birds with brown feathers, distinctively erect tails, and powerful voices.
Wrens are New World avian species, found in North and South America, except for the Eurasian Wren, which dwells in Europe and Africa. They belong to the Troglodyidae bird family.
Insects and spiders constitute the primary portion of a wren’s diet, enabling them to inhabit various environments, including arid and rocky regions with sparse vegetation.
Originally, the Winter Wren was believed to be the same species as the Pacific Wren and Eurasian Wren. However, they have now been recognized as distinct species.
Wrens have a long history of association with folklore and symbolism. In Europe, it was once believed that harming a wren would result in misfortune.
This informative guide is designed to aid you in identifying wren species specific to Kansas, as per avibase. The wrens listed herein are arranged based on their frequency of sightings, ranging from most to least common, as reported by birdwatchers on ebird.
For a helpful visual reference, you can obtain a free bird identification photo guide for Kansas, assisting in the identification of various avian visitors to your backyard.
Kansas is home to 9 wren species:
1. Carolina Wren
Carolina Wrens are the most frequently observed wrens in Kansas and are non-migratory. They are primarily found in the eastern part of the state, appearing in 24% of summer checklists and 20% of winter checklists submitted by birdwatchers.
Carolina Wrens possess a shy demeanor, with dark brown upperparts and light brown underparts. They sport 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 can be found in wooded areas or places with dense vegetation. They also visit backyard feeders. Their diet primarily consists of insects and spiders, but they may occasionally consume lizards, frogs, and snakes.
Carolina Wren Vocalizations: They emit a short song comprising quick whistles.
2. House Wren
House Wrens breed in Kansas during the summer, appearing in 19% of summer checklists. They begin arriving as early as March and some remain until January, with the best chances of sighting them from April to October.
House Wrens are small, nondescript brown birds with darker barred wings and tails, along with a lighter throat. Male and female House Wrens exhibit no distinguishable differences.
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 summer, House Wrens breed in the United States and southern Canada before migrating to the southern regions and Mexico for winter. They can be found in backyards, parks, and open woodlands, energetically hopping through foliage with their tails raised while emitting their cheerful song.
House Wrens primarily feed on insects and spiders such as beetles, caterpillars, and flies. They occasionally consume snail shells for calcium.
House Wren Vocalizations: Their songs lack melody but consist of a series of jumbled notes that change in pitch and speed.
3. Marsh Wren
While some Marsh Wrens can be observed in Kansas throughout the year, they are most frequently sighted during spring and fall migration, with October being the peak month. They are recorded in 5% of checklists during this time.
Marsh Wrens are brown birds with black and white streaks on their backs. Their undersides have a grayish-brown hue, and they possess the characteristic upright tail of wrens.
Marsh Wrens lack shoulder stripes and have longer bills compared to Sedge Wrens. Male and female Marsh Wrens exhibit no observable differences.
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)
Marsh Wrens breed in northern US states and central Canada before migrating to southern states and Mexico. Some birds along the western and Atlantic coasts may remain resident year-round. They can be found in wetlands, clinging to reeds with each foot grasping a different stalk. While they can be challenging to spot, their songs among the reeds, particularly during dawn and dusk, provide clues to their presence.
Insects and spiders comprise the primary diet of Marsh Wrens, which they forage from leaves near the water’s surface.
Marsh Wren Vocalizations: They sing a distinctive buzzy song that can last for up to 20 minutes.
4. Sedge Wren
Sedge Wrens can be observed in Kansas during spring and fall migration, with October being the ideal month for sightings. They appear in 5.8% of checklists during this period.
Sedge Wrens are small brown wrens, darker on their upperparts with streaks and bars, and lighter underneath. They possess a subtle light eyebrow stripe. Male and female Sedge Wrens exhibit no distinguishable differences.
Sedge Wrens closely resemble Marsh Wrens and inhabit similar wet areas. However, Marsh Wrens lack shoulder stripes and have 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 occasionally further east in the United States. They migrate and spend winter in southeastern states and northern Mexico, near the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.
These wrens can be found hidden amidst wet grasslands, marshy areas, and meadows abundant in vegetation. They prefer shallower areas compared to Marsh Wrens and actively hunt for insects and spiders.
Sedge Wren Vocalizations: Their songs consist of a few short notes followed by a series of rapid notes of a similar pitch.
5. Winter Wren
Winter Wrens are most commonly sighted in Kansas during winter, appearing in 2% of checklists. They begin arriving in September and some stay until May, with the optimal period for observation spanning from October to March.
Winter Wrens are small and plump brown birds with darker barring on their wings, tail, and belly. They possess a paler eyebrow stripe and short, upright tails. Male and female Winter Wrens exhibit no observable differences.
Winter Wrens closely resemble Pacific Wrens and were previously considered the same species. However, they are now classified as distinct species due to their 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 can be found hidden in dense undergrowth within forests and backyards. They feed on insects and spiders by rummaging through fallen leaves and decaying bark.
Winter Wren Vocalizations: Their songs are long, bubbly, and melodious, lasting up to 10 seconds and differing from the songs of Pacific Wrens.
6. Bewick’s Wren
Bewick’s Wrens are not commonly found in Kansas, but they are considered regularly occurring and have been spotted throughout the year, primarily in the southeast region of the state.
Bewick’s Wrens have brown backs with long gray upright tails featuring darker barring. They possess gray bellies and a white stripe above their eyes.
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 some minor movements during winter.
These wrens can be found in scrublands, thickets, and open woodlands, hopping from branch to branch and flicking their long tails. Their diet primarily consists of insects and larvae, including bees, bugs, caterpillars, and beetles.
Bewick’s Wren Vocalizations: Their song begins with a couple of short, higher-pitched notes followed by lower-pitched, buzzy notes.
7. Rock Wren
Rock Wrens are rarely observed in Kansas but are recognized as regularly occurring in the state, with the most recent sighting reported in 2021.
Rock Wrens possess pale brown backs with darker flecks. They exhibit barring on their wings and tail and have pale undersides with buff-colored lower flanks and bellies.
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 are found in dry, rocky areas across western US states and southwestern Canada. While those residing in the south and west remain year-round, individuals in central US states migrate south for winter.
These wrens can be spotted in dry and rocky regions with minimal vegetation. They forage for insects concealed within crevices in rocks.
Rock Wren Vocalizations: They possess a diverse repertoire of songs, often repeating the same sound multiple times before transitioning to a different sound. Each rendition varies in pitch.
8. Pacific Wren
Pacific Wrens are extremely rare in Kansas and are classified as accidental species. They were last sighted near Lake Scott State Park in 2017.
Pacific Wrens are entirely brown with darker barring on their wings, tail, and belly. They possess a paler eyebrow stripe and short, upright tails. Male and female Pacific Wrens exhibit no observable differences.
Scientific Name: Troglodytes pacificus
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)
Pacific Wrens are found along the West Coast from Alaska to California. While coastal populations remain year-round, those inland in Canada migrate south for winter.
These wrens can be found on the forest floor, often concealed amidst leaf litter and decaying logs. They feed on insects, spiders, flies, and bees.
Pacific Wren Vocalizations: They sing a complex and rapid song composed of many high-pitched notes.
9. Canyon Wren
Canyon Wrens are classified as accidental species in Kansas and were last sighted in the state in 2018.
Canyon Wrens are stocky brown birds with white throats and lighter barred tails. Their heads have a grayish-brown hue with speckles. They possess short, strong legs, enabling them to cling to rocks. Male and female Canyon Wrens exhibit no distinguishable differences.
Scientific Name: Catherpes mexicanus
Length: 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 found in the western regions from southern British Columbia through western US states and into Mexico. They do not migrate.
These wrens can be found in rocky areas, foraging for insects and spiders hidden within crevices. Their short, strong legs allow them to cling to rocks and even scale vertical cliffs.
Canyon Wren Vocalizations: They possess a distinctive descending song that slows down and concludes with a few raspy notes.
How to Attract Wrens to Your Backyard
Having wrens visit your backyard allows you to enjoy their beautiful songs and observe their energetic behavior up close. While only a few wren species regularly visit backyards, such as House Wrens, Carolina Wrens, and Bewick’s Wrens, you can attract them using the following methods:
1. Embrace a slightly untidy backyard by providing habitats for insects and spiders, wrens’ preferred food sources. Leave fallen leaves, brush piles, and spider webs intact.
2. Offer clean water sources, preferably with running water, in multiple locations.
3. Provide nesting sites such as nest boxes or even old boots left in the yard. Wrens are known to utilize a variety of nesting options.
4. Offer suitable food options such as mealworms, crickets, peanuts, and suet to attract wrens to your backyard feeders.
5. Create an environment with native plants and dense vegetation to entice wrens to your backyard. Installing a nest box can also be beneficial.
Frequency of Wren Sightings in Summer and Winter in Kansas
Checklists compiled by birdwatchers on ebird provide valuable insights into the most commonly observed bird species. The following information highlights the frequency of wren sightings during summer and winter in Kansas based on these checklists:
Wrens in Kansas during Summer:
– Carolina Wren: 24.3%
– House Wren: 19.9%
– Marsh Wren: 0.8%
– Sedge Wren: 0.8%
– Bewick’s Wren: 0.5%
– Rock Wren: 0.3%
– Winter Wren: <0.1%
– Canyon Wren: <0.1%
Wrens in Kansas during Winter:
– Carolina Wren: 20.4%
– Winter Wren: 2.0%
– Marsh Wren: 0.6%
– Bewick’s Wren: 0.2%
– Sedge Wren: 0.1%
– Rock Wren: 0.1%
– House Wren: <0.1%
– Pacific Wren: <0.1%
– Canyon Wren: <0.1%