North America is home to a total of 11 wren species, all of which have been observed in New Mexico, making it a wren hotspot. Out of these 11 species, seven are considered regularly occurring in the state, while three are accidental visitors. This comprehensive guide aims to assist you in identifying these wrens based on their appearance and vocalizations.
The wrens found in New Mexico throughout the year include Bewick’s Wrens, Rock Wrens, Canyon Wrens, and Cactus Wrens. During the summer season, House Wrens join the resident wren population. In winter, Marsh Wrens and Winter Wrens can also be observed in New Mexico. Additionally, there are other wren species to keep an eye out for, such as Carolina Wrens, Pacific Wrens, and Sedge Wrens.
Wrens, though visually unremarkable, possess captivating personalities. These small, plump birds display distinctive features like their upright tails and powerful voices. With their brown coloration and relatively small size, they easily blend into their surroundings.
Unlike their Old World relative, the Eurasian Wren, which inhabits Europe and Africa, wrens in the New World occupy North and South America. They belong to the Troglodyidae family of birds.
Insects and spiders comprise the majority of wrens’ diet. This adaptable dietary preference allows them to thrive in various environments, even in arid and rocky areas with minimal vegetation.
Initially, the Winter Wren was considered the same species as the Pacific Wren and Eurasian Wren. However, recent studies have established them as three distinct species.
Throughout history, wrens have held significance in folklore and cultural symbolism. In Europe, it was believed that harming a wren would bring misfortune.
This comprehensive guide provides a valuable resource for identifying the wren species in New Mexico based on avibase data. The wrens are listed in order of their frequency of sightings, with the most commonly observed species listed first. These rankings are derived from checklists submitted by avid birdwatchers to ebird.
To aid in the identification of the numerous bird species that visit your backyard, a printable bird identification photo guide specifically tailored for New Mexico is available.
The following is a list of the ten wren species found in New Mexico:
1. Bewick’s Wren
2. House Wren
3. Rock Wren
4. Canyon Wren
5. Cactus Wren
6. Marsh Wren
7. Winter Wren
8. Carolina Wren
9. Pacific Wren
10. Sedge Wren
Detailed information on each species follows:
1. Bewick’s Wren
Bewick’s Wrens are the most frequently spotted wrens in New Mexico, present all year round. They are observed in approximately 12% of summer checklists and 8% of winter checklists submitted by birdwatchers in the state.
Bewick’s Wrens possess brown plumage with gray upright tails featuring darker barring. They also display gray bellies and a white stripe over 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 primarily in the southern and western states throughout the year, with occasional minor movements during winter.
You can locate Bewick’s Wrens in scrublands, thickets, and open woodlands, where they nimbly hop from branch to branch while flicking their long tails. Their diet consists of insects and larvae such as bees, bugs, caterpillars, and beetles.
Bewick’s Wrens produce a song consisting of short higher notes followed by lower-pitched buzzy notes.
When constructing their nests, Bewick’s Wrens utilize rock ledges, old woodpecker nests, nest boxes, or crevices in buildings. These cup-shaped nests are constructed from sticks and grasses and lined with softer materials. The species typically lays 3 to 8 eggs, with an incubation period of approximately two weeks and a subsequent two-week period for fledging.
To attract Bewick’s Wrens to your backyard, offer suet, mealworms, and hulled sunflower seeds.
Fun fact: Bewick’s Wrens have been impacted by the aggressive behavior of House Wrens, which often destroy their eggs.
2. House Wren
Although House Wrens can be observed in New Mexico throughout the year, they are more commonly seen during the summer season. They appear in around 7% of summer checklists submitted by birdwatchers in the state.
House Wrens are nondescript, round-shaped birds with brown plumage, darker barred wings and tails, and a paler throat. Both males and females exhibit similar appearances.
Their eyestripe is less prominent compared to other wren species.
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 warmer regions like the southern United States and Mexico for the winter.
You can find House Wrens in backyards, parks, and open woodlands, where they diligently forage for insects and spiders. They energetically hop through tangles and low branches with their tails held upright, often pausing to melodiously sing.
Their diet primarily consists of insects and spiders such as beetles, caterpillars, and flies. Additionally, they consume snail shells to obtain calcium.
House Wrens emit a series of jumbled notes that vary in pitch and speed, lacking a melodious tune.
House Wrens construct their nests within old woodpecker holes, nest boxes, or other small crevices. They prefer lightly wooded areas and construct their nests using twigs, lining them with softer materials. The species lays 3 to 10 eggs, with an incubation period of around two weeks, followed by a two-week fledging period.
To attract House Wrens to your backyard, create piles of brush or install nest boxes.
Fun fact: Despite their small size, House Wrens display remarkable aggression when it comes to securing the best nest holes, often harassing larger birds and even removing eggs or nestlings from preferred nesting sites.
3. Rock Wren
Rock Wrens are most commonly observed in New Mexico between May and July, although some can be spotted throughout the year. They appear in approximately 5% of summer checklists and 2% of winter checklists in the state.
Rock Wrens possess pale brown plumage on their backs with darker flecks. They exhibit barring on their wings and tail and feature a pale underside, with buff coloring on the lower flanks and belly.
Distinctive features include a pale eyebrow stripe, a long slightly curved bill, and dark legs. Males and females have similar coloring. Rock Wrens frequently bob up and down, especially when agitated, aiding in their identification.
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 primarily inhabit dry and rocky areas in western US states and southwest Canada. While individuals in the south and west remain in these regions year-round, those in central US states migrate south for the winter.
Look for Rock Wrens in arid, rocky areas with minimal vegetation, as they diligently search for insects concealed within crevices. They exhibit unique feeding behaviors and possess the ability to derive moisture from their insect prey, enabling them to survive in dry environments.
Rock Wrens produce an extensive repertoire of songs, often consisting of repeated sounds with different pitches.
Their nests are typically situated on the ground within cavities or depressions in rocky areas. Rock Wrens incorporate a layer of small stones followed by softer materials like wool and moss into their nests. They may lay up to 8 eggs and raise up to 3 broods in a single year.
Fun fact: Rock Wrens construct stone walkways leading to their nests, although the purpose of this behavior remains unknown. Additionally, they derive all the necessary moisture from their insect diet and do not drink water.
4. Canyon Wren
Canyon Wrens are resident birds in New Mexico, staying throughout the year. They are recorded in approximately 4% of summer checklists and 2% of winter checklists.
Canyon Wrens possess stocky brown bodies with white throats and lighter barred tails. Their heads exhibit a grayish-brown coloration with speckles. They have short, strong legs, which they utilize to cling to rocks. Both males and females exhibit similar appearances.
Distinctive features of Canyon Wrens include their presence in rocky areas similar to Rock Wrens, but they possess a white throat and dark belly.
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 can be found in the western regions, spanning from southern British Columbia down through western US states and into Mexico. Unlike migratory species, Canyon Wrens remain in their habitats throughout the year.
Search for Canyon Wrens in rocky areas where they forage for insects and spiders hidden within crevices. Their short, strong legs enable them to cling onto rocks and even scale vertical cliffs.
Canyon Wrens emit a distinct song that descends and slows before concluding with a few raspy notes.
Their nests are constructed within crevices using twigs and grasses, with a lining of wool and feathers. They lay 3 to 7 eggs, with an incubation period of approximately two weeks and a two-week fledging period.
Fun fact: Canyon Wrens exhibit kleptoparasitic behavior, stealing food from spiders’ webs and wasp nests.
5. Cactus Wren
Cactus Wrens are resident birds in New Mexico, remaining throughout the year. They are observed in approximately 2% of checklists submitted by birdwatchers in the state.
Cactus Wrens possess distinctive features that facilitate their recognition, including speckled undersides, bold eyebrow stripes, and a large size. They exhibit brown plumage on their backs with abundant streaking.
Unlike most wrens, Cactus Wrens lack an upright tail. Instead, they fan out their tails to reveal white tips.
Scientific name: Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus
Length: 7.1-8.7 inches (18-22 cm)
Weight: 1.1-1.7 ounces (32-47 g)
Cactus Wrens inhabit dry regions in southwestern states, ranging from
California to Texas and Mexico.
Unusually for wrens, Cactus Wrens can be observed in open areas, perched atop cacti while singing or consuming cactus fruit. They can also be spotted on the ground, hunting for insects and spiders by overturning leaves and other debris.
Cactus Wrens produce a distinctive two-tone, buzzy song that often increases in volume as they sing.
Their nests are round-shaped with a small tunnel entrance, constructed within desert vegetation. They lay 2 to 7 eggs, which hatch in approximately two and a half weeks, with chicks fledging in around three weeks.
Fun fact: Cactus Wrens do not require water and obtain all necessary moisture from their insect and fruit diet, which is advantageous in desert environments.
6. Marsh Wren
Marsh Wrens are most commonly sighted in New Mexico during the winter season, spanning from September to April. They appear in approximately 3% of checklists during this period, although a few individuals can be spotted throughout the year.
Marsh Wrens exhibit brown plumage with black and white streaks on their backs. Their undersides possess a grayish-brown tone, and they possess the characteristic upright tail of wrens.
Distinguishing them from Sedge Wrens, Marsh Wrens lack stripes on their shoulders and have longer bills. Males and females share similar appearances.
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 US states and Mexico. Some individuals along the western and Atlantic coasts may remain year-round. During migration, they can also be observed in the eastern US.
Marsh Wrens can be found in wetlands, clinging to reeds with their feet gripping different stalks. They may be challenging to spot, but their melodic songs emanate from the reeds, particularly during dawn and dusk.
Their diet primarily consists of insects and spiders, which they gather by searching through fallen leaves and decaying bark.
Marsh Wrens emit a distinctive, bubbly, and sweet song that lasts up to 20 minutes.
Their nests are fully enclosed, with a small opening at the top. Constructed from reeds and grasses woven together, these nests typically contain 3 to 10 eggs. Incubation takes around two weeks, followed by a two-week fledging period.
Fun facts: Marsh Wrens may build up to twenty dummy nests attached to cattails, although they usually utilize only one. They exhibit aggressive behavior towards rival birds, destroying their eggs and nestlings.
7. Winter Wren
Winter Wrens are rarely observed in New Mexico, but they are known to visit during the winter season. These birds are recognized as regularly occurring during this period.
Winter Wrens possess small, plump bodies with darker barring on their wings, tail, and belly. They exhibit a paler eyebrow stripe and short tails, which they hold upright. Both males and females have similar appearances.
Winter Wrens closely resemble Pacific Wrens and were once considered the same species. However, they are now recognized as distinct species with 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 are primarily found in eastern US states during winter, while their range extends to northeastern US states and Canada during the summer.
Search for Winter Wrens amidst tangled undergrowth in forests and backyards. They feed on insects and spiders, rummaging through fallen leaves and decaying bark in search of prey.
Winter Wrens emit a long, bubbly, and sweet song that is slower than that of Pacific Wrens. Their melodious tunes can last up to 10 seconds.
Their nests are constructed using twigs, moss, and grass, woven together into a round shape with a small opening. Winter Wrens lay 1 to 9 eggs, with an incubation period of around two to two and a half weeks. Fledging occurs within the same time frame.
To attract Winter Wrens to your backyard, provide native plants and dense vegetation.
Fun fact: Winter Wrens build round nests with small openings, sometimes suspending them from trees.
8. Carolina Wren
Carolina Wrens are classified as accidental species in New Mexico, but sightings have occurred in Percha Dam State Park in 2022.
Carolina Wrens display shy behavior, featuring dark brown plumage on their tops and light brown undersides. They possess 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 are year-round residents throughout eastern and southeastern states.
You can find Carolina Wrens in wooded areas or thick vegetation, and they occasionally visit backyard feeders. Their diet consists of insects, spiders, and occasionally lizards, frogs, and snakes.
Carolina Wrens emit short songs consisting of quick whistles.
Their nests are typically situated in trees, although they can adapt to various locations, natural or artificial. The nests are often circular and possess a small side opening. Carolina Wrens lay 3 to 7 eggs, with an incubation period of approximately two weeks. Fledging occurs within two weeks.
To attract Carolina Wrens to your backyard, provide suet feeders, hulled sunflower seeds, or peanut hearts in large tube or platform feeders.
Fun fact: Carolina Wrens form lifelong pairs, exhibiting monogamous behavior.
9. Pacific Wren
Pacific Wrens are categorized as accidental species in New Mexico, but a couple of sightings occurred in the state in 2022.
Pacific Wrens possess brown plumage with darker barring on their wings, tail, and belly. They feature a paler eyebrow stripe and short tails, which they hold upright. Males and females have similar appearances.
Distinctive features of Pacific Wrens include their status as the smallest wren species in the United States.
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 inhabit the West Coast region, spanning from Alaska to California. While coastal individuals remain year-round, those located inland in Canada migrate south for the winter.
Search for Pacific Wrens on the forest floor, often concealed amidst fallen leaves and rotting logs. Their diet primarily consists of insects, spiders, flies, and bees.
Pacific Wrens emit a long, jumbled song consisting of numerous rapid, high-pitched notes.
Their nests are constructed using twigs, moss, and grass, woven into a round shape with a small opening. Pacific Wrens lay 1 to 9 eggs, with an incubation period of around two to two and a half weeks. Fledging occurs within the same time frame.
To attract Pacific Wrens to your backyard, provide native plants and dense vegetation, and consider installing nest boxes.
Fun fact: Pacific Wrens often huddle together in cold weather, with multiple individuals sharing a single cavity or nest box. On one occasion, over 30 Pacific Wrens were discovered occupying the same nest box.
10. Sedge Wren
Sedge Wrens are exceedingly rare and classified as accidental species in New Mexico. However, sightings occurred around Santa Rosa and Dona Ana in 2021.
Sedge Wrens are small, brown wrens featuring darker tones on their upper parts with streaking and barring. Their undersides are paler, and they possess a small, light eyebrow stripe. 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
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 south for the winter, spending time in southeastern states and northern Mexico, primarily near the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.
Search for Sedge Wrens within hidden, wet grasslands, marshy areas, and meadows with abundant vegetation. They prefer shallower areas compared to Marsh Wrens and forage for insects and spiders.
Sedge Wrens emit a song consisting of a few short notes followed by a series of rapid notes at a similar pitch.
Their nests are usually rounded and constructed from twigs, moss, and grass woven together. They lay 3 to 7 eggs, with an incubation period of around two weeks. Fledging occurs within the same timeframe.
Fun fact: Sedge Wrens exhibit aggressive behavior, puncturing the eggs of neighboring Sedge Wrens and destroying them.
How to Attract Wrens to Your Backyard
Welcoming wrens to your backyard provides an opportunity to enjoy their melodious songs and observe their lively nature up close. While only a few species of wrens regularly visit backyards, such as House Wrens, Carolina Wrens, and Bewick’s Wrens, you can implement the following strategies to attract them:
1. Embrace a less tidy approach: Create habitats for insects and spiders, which serve as wrens’ favored food sources. Leave fallen leaves, brush piles, and spider webs intact.
2. Provide a water source: Install clean water sources, preferably with running water, in multiple locations.
3. Offer suitable nesting sites: Wrens readily utilize nest boxes or even old boots left in the backyard.
4. Supply appropriate food: Wrens are known to consume mealworms, crickets, peanuts, and suet. Consider incorporating these items into your feeding stations.
How Frequently Wrens are Spotted in Summer and Winter in New Mexico
Checklists serve as valuable resources for determining the frequency of bird sightings. The following percentages indicate the occurrence of different wren species based on checklists submitted to eBird during summer and winter in New Mexico:
Wrens in New Mexico in Summer:
1. Bewick’s Wren: 12.5%
2. House Wren: 7.1%
3. Rock Wren: 5.6%
4. Canyon Wren: 4.4%
5. Cactus Wren: 2.8%
6. Marsh Wren: 0.2%
7.
Carolina Wren: 0.1%
8. Pacific Wren: <0.1%
Wrens in New Mexico in Winter:
1. Bewick’s Wren: 8.9%
2. Marsh Wren: 3.4%
3. Cactus Wren: 2.4%
4. Rock Wren: 2.2%
5. Canyon Wren: 2.0%
6. House Wren: 0.7%
7. Winter Wren: 0.3%
8. Pacific Wren: 0.2%
9. Carolina Wren: 0.1%
10. Sedge Wren: <0.1%