In North America, there have been sightings of 11 distinct species of wrens, with Missouri being home to 7 of these species. Among the wrens found in Missouri, 6 are categorized as regularly occurring, while 1 is considered accidental. This comprehensive guide aims to assist you in identifying these wrens based on their appearance and vocalizations.
Throughout the year in Missouri, you can spot Carolina Wrens, while House Wrens and Bewick’s Wrens visit during the summer. In the winter months, Winter Wrens make an appearance. Sedge Wrens and Marsh Wrens are commonly observed during migration periods. Additionally, keep an eye out for Rock Wrens in Missouri.
Wrens, although unremarkable in appearance, are small, plump songbirds with distinctive upright tails and powerful voices. They possess a brown coloration, modest size, and relatively plump physique.
Unlike the Old World Eurasian Wren, which can be found in Europe and Africa, wrens are New World birds, residing in North and South America. They belong to the Troglodyidae family of avian species.
Wrens primarily feed on insects and spiders, allowing them to adapt to diverse environments, including dry and rocky areas with minimal vegetation.
Initially, the Winter Wren was believed to be the same species as the Pacific Wren and Eurasian Wren. However, they have since been recognized as distinct species.
Wrens have historical associations with folklore and symbolism. In Europe, it was once believed that killing wrens would bring misfortune.
This guide, based on avibase data, will facilitate the identification of wren species in Missouri. The wrens are listed in order of frequency, as determined by birdwatchers’ checklists submitted to ebird.
To aid in the identification of various bird species visiting your backyard, you can acquire a free bird identification photo guide specifically designed for Missouri.
The 7 Wren Species Found in Missouri:
1. Carolina Wren
Carolina Wrens are non-migratory and can be observed in Missouri throughout the year. They are present in 34% of summer checklists and 29% of winter checklists submitted by birdwatchers.
Carolina Wrens exhibit a shy nature and possess dark brown upperparts with lighter brown underparts. They feature a white eyebrow stripe and an upright tail.
Scientific name: Thryothorus ludovicianus
Size: 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 year-round in Eastern and Southeastern States.
These wrens are commonly found in wooded areas or dense vegetation and can also visit backyard feeders. Their diet primarily consists of insects and spiders, although they occasionally consume lizards, frogs, and snakes.
The song of Carolina Wrens consists of short, quick whistles.
2. House Wren
During summer, House Wrens are the second most frequently observed wrens in Missouri, appearing in 16% of checklists submitted by birdwatchers. While some House Wrens can be spotted year-round, the best time to observe them is from April to October.
House Wrens are small, unassuming birds with round brown bodies, darker barred wings and tails, and a paler throat. Both males and females exhibit similar appearances.
Notable feature: The eyestripe is less prominent compared to other wren species.
Scientific name: Troglodytes aedon
Size: 4.3-5.1 in (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (10-12 g)
Wingspan: 5.9 in (15 cm)
House Wrens breed during summer in the US and Southern Canada before migrating to The South and Mexico for the winter.
Look for House Wrens in backyards, parks, and open woodlands as they forage for insects and spiders. They can often be seen energetically hopping through branches with their tails held upright, occasionally pausing to sing their cheerful song.
House Wrens primarily consume insects and spiders, including beetles, caterpillars, and flies. They also incorporate snail shells into their diet for calcium.
The song of House Wrens lacks a melodious quality and consists of a series of jumbled notes that vary in pitch and speed.
3. Winter Wren
Winter Wrens are more commonly observed in Missouri during winter, accounting for 2% of checklists at this time. They begin arriving in September and may remain until July, with the best chances of spotting them between October and April.
Winter Wrens have plump, brown bodies with darker barring on their wings, tail, and belly. They possess a lighter eyebrow stripe and short, upright tails. Both males and females exhibit similar characteristics.
Winter Wrens bear a striking resemblance to Pacific Wrens and were once considered the same species. However, they are now classified as distinct species, and they have different songs.
Scientific name: Troglodytes hiemalis
Size: 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 can be found in eastern US states during winter and in northeastern US states and Canada during the summer.
Search for Winter Wrens concealed within tangled undergrowth in forests and backyard areas. They feed on insects and spiders by rummaging through fallen leaves and decaying bark.
Winter Wrens produce a long, bubbly, sweet song that is slower compared to Pacific Wrens, lasting up to 10 seconds.
4. Sedge Wren
Sedge Wrens are sighted in the northwest of Missouri during summer, while during migration, they can be found in the northeast and central regions. In winter, they are observed in the southwest.
Sedge Wrens exhibit small brown bodies with darker upperparts featuring streaks and barring, and lighter underparts. They possess a small, light eyebrow stripe. Both males and females share similar appearances.
Sedge Wrens bear resemblance to Marsh Wrens and inhabit similar wet areas. However, Marsh Wrens lack striped shoulders and possess lighter bellies.
Scientific name: Cistothorus stellaris
Size: 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 further east in the US. They migrate and spend winters in southeastern states and northern Mexico, near the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.
You can find Sedge Wrens hidden within wet grasslands, marshy areas, and meadows with abundant vegetation. They typically prefer shallower areas compared to Marsh Wrens and actively hunt for insects and spiders.
The song of Sedge Wrens is simple, comprising a few short notes followed by a similar pitch of a few more rapid notes.
5. Marsh Wren
Marsh Wrens are primarily observed in Missouri during the spring and fall migrations, specifically in April, May, September, and October. However, some Marsh Wrens remain year-round.
Marsh Wrens possess brown plumage with black and white streaks on their backs. Their underparts are grayish brown, and they feature the characteristic upright tail of wrens.
Marsh Wrens lack shoulder stripes and have longer bills compared to Sedge Wrens. Both males and females exhibit similar appearances.
Scientific name: Cistothorus palustris
Size: 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 US states and Central Canada before migrating to Southern states and Mexico. Some birds in the west and along the Atlantic Coast may remain year-round. They can be spotted during migration in the Eastern US.
You can find Marsh Wrens clinging to reeds in wetlands, with each foot gripping a different stalk. They may be challenging to spot but listen for their songs among the reeds, particularly during dawn and dusk.
Marsh Wrens feed on insects and spiders, which they pluck off leaves close to the water.
Marsh Wrens produce a distinctive buzzy song that can last up to 20 minutes.
6. Bewick’s Wren
Bewick’s Wrens are observed in Missouri during the breeding season, with the highest frequency between April and July. However, a few individuals may remain year-round.
Bewick’s Wrens feature brown backs with long, gray upright tails adorned with darker barring. They possess gray bellies and a white stripe over the eye.
Scientific name: Thryomanes bewickii
Size: 5.1 in (13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (8-12 g)
Bewick’s Wrens reside year-round in southern and western states, with minor winter movements.
You can find Bewick’s Wrens in scrublands, thickets, and open woodlands, where they hop from branch to branch, flicking their long tails.
Their diet primarily consists of insects and larvae, including bees, bugs, caterpillars, and beetles.
Bewick’s Wrens produce songs consisting of a couple of short higher notes followed by lower-pitched buzzy notes.
7. Rock Wren
Rock Wrens are considered accidental species in Missouri, with the last reported sighting in Princeton in 2020.
Rock Wrens display pale brown upperparts with darker flecks, along with barring on the wings and tail. Their underparts are pale, with buff coloring on the lower flanks and belly.
Distinctive features include a pale eyebrow stripe, a long slightly curved bill, and dark legs. Both males and females possess similar coloring. Rock Wrens exhibit a bobbing motion, particularly when agitated, aiding in their identification.
Scientific name: Salpinctes obsoletus
Size: 4.9-5.9 in (12.5-15 cm)
Weight: 0.5-0.6 oz (15-18 g)
Wingspan: 8.7-9.4 in (22-24 cm)
Rock Wrens are found in dry and rocky areas in western US states and southwest Canada. While those in the south and west remain year-round, those in central US states migrate south for the winter.
Search for Rock Wrens in dry and rocky areas with limited vegetation. They feed on insects found within crevices in rocks.
Rock Wrens possess a repertoire of over 100 songs, often repeating the same sound multiple times before transitioning to a different sound. Each rendition varies in pitch.
How to Attract Wrens to Your Backyard
To attract wrens to your backyard, consider implementing the following strategies:
1. Encourage biodiversity by avoiding excessive tidiness. Provide habitats for insects and spiders by leaving fallen leaves and brush piles intact.
2. Offer clean water sources, preferably with running water, in multiple locations.
3. Provide nesting sites such as nest boxes or other suitable structures. Wrens may utilize old boots if left out.
4. Supplement their diet with food options like mealworms, crickets, peanuts, and suet.
5. According to the frequency of sightings in Missouri, the most common wren species in summer are Carolina Wrens (34.1%) and House Wrens (16.8%). In winter, Carolina Wrens (29.9%) and Winter Wrens (2.0%) are the most frequently observed species.
How Frequently Wrens are Spotted in Summer and Winter in Missouri
In order to provide you with further information, here is a breakdown of the frequency of wren species sightings in summer and winter in Missouri, as reported on ebird checklists:
Wrens in Missouri in Summer:
1. Carolina Wren: 34.1%
2. House Wren: 16.8%
3. Marsh Wren: 1.0%
4. Sedge Wren: 0.8%
5. Bewick’s Wren: 0.6%
6. Winter Wren: <0.1%
7. Rock Wren: <0.1%
Wrens in Missouri in Winter:
1. Carolina Wren: 29.9%
2. Winter Wren: 2.0%
3. Marsh Wren: 0.1%
4. Sedge Wren: 0.1%
5. Rock Wren: <0.1%
6. House Wren: <0.1%
7. Bewick’s Wren: <0.1%
These percentages represent the relative frequency of sightings for each wren species during the specified seasons. It can provide birdwatchers with valuable insights into the likelihood of encountering different wren species in Missouri during specific times of the year.
If you’re interested in attracting wrens or other bird species to your backyard, it’s essential to create a welcoming environment by providing suitable habitats, food sources, and water. By incorporating these elements, you can increase the chances of wrens visiting your outdoor space and enjoy observing their fascinating behaviors.
Remember, birds bring life and beauty to our surroundings, and by nurturing their presence, we can establish a harmonious connection with nature.