In North America, there have been sightings of 11 distinct wren species, with 6 of them being observed in South Carolina. Out of these, five wren species are commonly found in South Carolina, while one is considered accidental. This comprehensive guide aims to assist you in recognizing these wren species by both their appearance and unique vocalizations.
The wrens residing in South Carolina throughout the year are the Carolina Wrens and Marsh Wrens. During the winter season, House Wrens, Winter Wrens, and Sedge Wrens also make appearances in South Carolina. Another notable wren species to keep an eye out for in the region is the Bewick’s Wren.
Wrens are ordinary-looking songbirds with significant personalities. They possess a brown coloration, are relatively small in size, and have plump bodies. Their distinct feature includes upright tails and powerful voices.
Wrens belong to the Troglodyidae family of birds and are native to the New World, encompassing North and South America. However, the Eurasian Wren is an exception and belongs to the Old World, inhabiting Europe and Africa.
Due to their diet primarily consisting of insects and spiders, wrens can thrive in various environments, including dry and rocky areas with limited vegetation.
Initially, it was believed that the Winter Wren, Pacific Wren, and Eurasian Wren were the same species. However, they have now been identified as three distinct species.
Throughout history, wrens have held significant associations with folklore and symbolic meanings. In Europe, it was once believed that harming wrens would bring about bad luck.
To aid in identifying the wren species found in South Carolina, this guide follows avibase’s classification. The listed wrens are arranged based on their frequency of sightings, from the most commonly observed to the least, according to checklists submitted by bird watchers to ebird.
For assistance in identifying various bird species that visit your backyard, you can access a free bird identification photo guide specifically designed for South Carolina.
6 Wren Species Found in South Carolina:
1. Carolina Wren
Carolina Wrens are the most frequently observed wrens in South Carolina and are non-migratory. They appear in approximately 50% of summer checklists and 47% of winter checklists submitted by bird watchers in the state.
Carolina Wrens possess a shy disposition and exhibit dark brown coloring on their upper body, while their underparts are light brown. They have a distinct white eyebrow stripe and an upright 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 can be found year-round across Eastern and Southeastern States.
These wrens are commonly found in wooded areas or locations with dense vegetation, and they frequently visit backyard feeders. Their diet primarily consists of insects and spiders, although they may occasionally consume lizards, frogs, and snakes.
Carolina Wren vocalizations consist of short songs composed of quick whistles.
2. House Wren
While some House Wrens can be observed year-round, they are more commonly spotted during the winter season in South Carolina. They are recorded in approximately 1% of summer checklists and 4% of winter checklists.
House Wrens are small, unassuming birds with round brown bodies, distinguished by darker barred wings and tails, as well as a lighter throat. Both males and females have a similar appearance.
Notable characteristics: The eyestripe 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 summer, House Wrens breed in the United States and Southern Canada, later migrating to the southern regions, including Mexico, for winter.
You can find House Wrens in backyards, parks, and open wooded areas as they actively forage for insects and spiders. They are often observed energetically hopping through low branches and tangles, with their tails held upright, occasionally pausing to sing their cheerful song.
Their diet primarily consists of insects and spiders, such as beetles, caterpillars, and flies. House Wrens also consume snail shells to obtain calcium.
House Wrens produce a series of jumbled notes, varying in pitch and speed, rather than melodic tunes.
3. Marsh Wren
Marsh Wrens can be observed year-round in South Carolina and are recorded in approximately 2% of both summer and winter checklists.
Marsh Wrens exhibit a brown coloration with black and white streaks on their back. Their undersides are grayish brown, and they possess the distinct upright tail characteristic of wrens.
Marsh Wrens lack shoulder stripes and have longer bills compared to Sedge Wrens. Both males and females have similar appearances.
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 United States and Central Canada before migrating to Southern states and Mexico. During migration, they can be spotted in the Eastern United States.
These wrens can be found in wetlands, clinging to reeds with each foot gripping a different stalk. Although they can be challenging to spot, their distinctive singing amidst the reeds, especially during dawn and dusk, can provide clues to their presence.
Marsh Wrens primarily feed on insects and spiders, which they pluck off leaves near water bodies.
Their vocalizations consist of a distinctive buzzy song that can last up to 20 minutes.
4. Winter Wren
Winter Wrens can be encountered in South Carolina during the winter season and are recorded in approximately 2% of checklists. They typically arrive as early as August and may remain until May, with the best months for sightings being from November to March.
Winter Wrens are small, plump birds with brown coloring, featuring 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.
Winter Wrens closely resemble Pacific Wrens and were previously considered the same species. However, they are now classified as distinct species due to their differing songs.
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 United States during winter and can be seen in northeastern United States and Canada during summer.
These wrens tend to conceal themselves within tangled undergrowth in forests and backyards. They feed on insects and spiders by rummaging through fallen leaves and decaying bark.
Winter Wrens produce a long, bubbly, and melodious song, which is slower compared to Pacific Wrens and can last up to 10 seconds.
5. Sedge Wren
Sedge Wrens can be observed in South
Carolina during winter, with sightings occurring between September and May.
Sedge Wrens are small brown wrens with darker coloring on their upper body, exhibiting streaks and barring, while their underparts appear paler. They possess a small light eyebrow stripe, and both males and females display similar features.
Sedge Wrens bear resemblance to Marsh Wrens and can be found in similar wet areas. However, Marsh Wrens lack striped shoulders and have 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 further east in the United States. They migrate and spend winter in southeastern states, northern Mexico, and near the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.
You can find Sedge Wrens hiding amidst wet grasslands, marshy areas, and meadows with abundant vegetation. They prefer shallower areas compared to Marsh Wrens and hunt for insects and spiders.
Sedge Wrens produce a simple song consisting of a few short notes followed by a rapid succession of similar-pitched notes.
Nests of Winter Wrens are constructed with twigs, moss, and grass woven together in a rounded shape with a small opening. They lay 1-9 eggs, with an incubation period of approximately two weeks and a further two weeks for fledging.
To attract Winter Wrens to your backyard, incorporate native plants and maintain dense vegetation.
Fun fact: Winter Wren nests are typically rounded with a small opening and may sometimes hang from trees.
6. Bewick’s Wren
Bewick’s Wrens are considered extremely rare and accidental species in South Carolina. Based on records, the last sighting of these wrens in the state dates back to 1995.
Bewick’s Wrens exhibit brown upper bodies with long gray upright tails displaying darker barring. They have gray bellies and a white eye stripe.
Scientific name: Thryomanes bewickii
Length: 5.1 in (13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (8-12 g)
Bewick’s Wrens are year-round residents of southern and western states, with minor movements during winter.
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 a song comprising a couple of short, higher notes followed by lower-pitched, buzzy notes.
Nests of Bewick’s Wrens are constructed on rock ledges, old woodpecker nests, nest boxes, or crevices in buildings. They are cup-shaped and made from sticks and grasses, with a softer lining. They lay 3-8 eggs, which take around two weeks to hatch, followed by two more weeks for the chicks to fledge.
To attract Bewick’s Wrens to your backyard, provide suet, mealworms, and hulled sunflower seeds.
Fun fact: House Wrens are believed to have contributed to the decline of Bewick’s Wrens in the eastern United States as they often destroy their eggs.
Attracting Wrens to Your Backyard
Having wrens visit your backyard allows you to enjoy their beautiful songs and observe their energetic behavior up close. However, only a few wren species regularly frequent backyards, including House Wrens, Carolina Wrens, and Bewick’s Wrens.
To attract wrens to your backyard, consider implementing the following ideas:
1. Embrace a less tidy approach: Provide habitats for insects and spiders, which are the favorite food of wrens. Leave fallen leaves, brush piles, and spider webs undisturbed.
2. Offer clean water sources: Consider installing multiple locations with running water.
3. Provide nesting sites: Wrens readily utilize nest boxes or even repurposed items like old boots.
4. Supply suitable food: Wrens will consume mealworms, crickets, peanuts, and suet.