In the North American region, there have been sightings of 11 distinct species of wrens, out of which 7 have been observed in Wisconsin. Among the wren species found in Wisconsin, 5 are considered as regularly occurring, while 2 are accidental visitors. The purpose of this guide is to assist you in recognizing these species through their appearance and sounds.
Throughout the year, you can spot Carolina Wrens in Wisconsin. During the summer months, House Wrens, Marsh Wrens, Sedge Wrens, and Winter Wrens are also present. Additionally, keep an eye out for Rock Wrens and Bewick’s Wrens as they are seen in Wisconsin too. Wrens are unimpressive-looking songbirds but possess lively personalities. These birds are relatively small, plump, and brown, with upright tails and distinctive voices.
Wrens are classified as New World birds, residing in North and South America, except for the Eurasian Wren, which is an Old World species found in Europe and Africa. They belong to the Troglodyidae family of birds.
The diet of wrens primarily consists of insects and spiders, allowing them to thrive in diverse environments, including arid and rocky areas with limited vegetation.
Previously, it was believed that the Winter Wren, Pacific Wren, and Eurasian Wren belonged to the same species. However, recent findings have declared them as three distinct species.
Throughout history, wrens have been associated with folklore and symbolism. In Europe, it was once believed that harming wrens would result in misfortune.
This comprehensive guide, based on avibase data, will aid you in identifying the various wren species present in Wisconsin. The list is arranged in descending order, with the most frequently sighted species appearing first, according to the checklists submitted by bird watchers to ebird.
If you require assistance in identifying various bird species visiting your backyard, feel free to obtain a free bird identification photo guide specifically designed for Wisconsin.
The following is a list of the 7 wren species found in Wisconsin:
1. House Wren
House Wrens are the most commonly observed wrens during the summer months in Wisconsin, as reported in 35% of bird watchers’ checklists. They can be spotted from April to December before migrating south for the winter.
These nondescript small birds have round bodies with brown feathers, darker barred wings and tails, and a paler throat. The appearance of males and females is similar.
Key feature: The 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)
House Wrens breed during the summer in the United States and southern Canada before migrating to warmer regions such as the southern states and Mexico during winter.
You can find House Wrens in backyards, parks, and open wooded areas, where they search for insects and spiders. They are often seen energetically hopping through tangled vegetation and low branches with their tails held upright, occasionally pausing to sing their cheerful songs.
House Wrens primarily feed on insects and spiders, including beetles, caterpillars, flies, and even snail shells for calcium.
The sounds produced by House Wrens are not melodious but consist of a series of jumbled notes that vary in pitch and speed.
2. Marsh Wren
During the breeding season, Marsh Wrens can be spotted in Wisconsin and appear on around 4% of checklists during summer. They are most frequently observed from May to October, although some individuals stay throughout the year.
Marsh Wrens have brown feathers with black and white streaks on their back. Their undersides are grayish-brown, and they possess the characteristic upright wren tail. Unlike Sedge Wrens, they lack stripes on their shoulders. Males and females share a similar appearance.
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 the northern states of the US and central Canada before migrating to southern states and Mexico. Some populations along the western and Atlantic coastlines may remain resident throughout the year. They can be seen during migration in the eastern parts of the US.
These wrens can be found in wetland areas, clinging to reeds with each foot grabbing a separate stalk. Although they can be challenging to spot, listen for their songs among the reeds, particularly during dawn and dusk.
Marsh Wrens primarily feed on insects and spiders, which they pick off leaves near the water.
Their song is distinctive, characterized by a buzzy melody that can last for up to 20 minutes.
3. Sedge Wren
Sedge Wrens spend the breeding season in Wisconsin and appear on around 4% of checklists during the summer. They begin arriving in April and can be seen until December, with the best months for spotting them being May to October.
Sedge Wrens are small brown wrens with darker streaks and bars on their upper bodies and paler underparts. They possess a light eyebrow stripe. Males and females exhibit similar appearances.
Sedge Wrens share similarities with Marsh Wrens and are often found in similar wet habitats. However, they lack striped shoulders and have lighter bellies compared to Marsh Wrens.
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 sometimes further east in the US. They migrate to spend the winter in southeastern states and northern Mexico, near the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.
You can find Sedge Wrens hidden in wet grasslands, marshy areas, and meadows with abundant vegetation. They prefer shallower areas compared to Marsh Wrens and hunt for insects and spiders.
Their song is simple, consisting of a few short notes followed by a series of rapid notes at a similar pitch.
4. Winter Wren
While some Winter Wrens can be seen throughout the year, they are more commonly observed during the breeding season, appearing on approximately 2% of summer checklists in Wisconsin.
Winter Wrens are small and plump, with brown feathers and darker barring on the wings, tail, and belly. They possess a paler eyebrow stripe and short, upright tails. Males and females have similar appearances.
Winter Wrens bear a close resemblance to Pacific Wrens and were once considered the same species. However, they are now classified as separate species and possess distinct 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 found in the eastern states of the US during winter and in northeastern states and Canada during summer.
Look for Winter Wrens concealed in tangled undergrowth
within forests and backyards. They feed on insects and spiders by rummaging through fallen leaves and decaying bark.
Their song is a long, melodious, and sweet melody that is slower compared to Pacific Wrens. It can last up to 10 seconds.
Nests of Winter Wrens are constructed using twigs, moss, and grass woven into a rounded shape with a small opening. They lay 1-9 eggs, with hatching taking around two weeks and fledging occurring in approximately the same duration.
To attract Winter Wrens to your backyard, provide native plants and maintain dense vegetation.
5. Carolina Wren
Carolina Wrens are non-migratory and can be observed in Wisconsin throughout the year.
These shy birds have dark brown upper feathers 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 reside year-round in the eastern and southeastern states of the US.
You can find Carolina Wrens in wooded areas with thick vegetation, and they may visit backyard feeders. They primarily feed on insects and spiders but occasionally consume lizards, frogs, and snakes.
Carolina Wrens produce a short song consisting of quick whistles.
Nests of Carolina Wrens are typically built in trees but can be constructed in various natural or artificial locations. The nests are often circular with a small opening on the side. They lay 3-7 eggs, with hatching taking around two weeks and fledging occurring in a further two weeks.
To attract Carolina Wrens to your backyard feeders, provide suet feeders, hulled sunflower seeds, or peanut hearts in large tube or platform feeders.
6. Rock Wren
Rock Wrens are considered accidental species in Wisconsin, with the last recorded sighting dating back to 2007.
These wrens have pale brown feathers with darker flecks. They possess barring on the wings and tail and have pale underparts, 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 share the same coloration. Rock Wrens bob up and down, especially when agitated, which can aid 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 are found in dry and rocky areas within western US states and southwestern Canada. While populations in the south and west remain year-round, those in central US states migrate south for the winter.
Search for Rock Wrens in dry, rocky areas with limited vegetation. They feed on insects found in crevices among rocks.
Their songs consist of a repertoire of over 100 melodies, often repeating the same sound multiple times before transitioning to a different sound. Each rendition varies in pitch.
Rock Wrens build nests on the ground, usually in cavities or depressions within rocky areas. They incorporate a layer of small stones followed by softer materials such as wool and moss. They may lay up to 8 eggs and produce up to 3 broods in a year.
An interesting fact about Rock Wrens is their tendency to construct stone walkways leading to their nests, although the purpose of this behavior remains unknown. Additionally, Rock Wrens do not consume water directly but obtain the required moisture by feeding on insects.
7. Bewick’s Wren
Bewick’s Wrens are extremely rare and classified as accidental species in Wisconsin. The most recent sighting in the state was recorded in 2012.
These birds have brown upper feathers and long, gray, upright tails with darker barring. They possess gray bellies and a white stripe above the eye.
Scientific name: Thryomanes bewickii
Length: 5.1 inches (13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (8-12 g)
Bewick’s Wrens reside throughout the year in southern and western states, with minor movements during winter.
You can find Bewick’s Wrens in scrubland, thickets, and open woodlands, where they hop from branch to branch, constantly flicking their long tails.
They feed on 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 situated on rock ledges, old woodpecker nests, nest boxes, or crevices in buildings. They construct cup-shaped nests using sticks and grass, lined with softer materials. They lay 3-8 eggs, with hatching taking around two weeks and fledging occurring in a further two weeks.
To attract Bewick’s Wrens to your backyard, provide suet, mealworms, and hulled sunflower seeds.
How to Attract Wrens to Your Backyard
It’s important to note that House Wrens, Carolina Wrens, and Bewick’s Wrens are among the few wren species commonly observed in backyard settings. To attract wrens to your backyard, create suitable habitats by maintaining fallen leaves, brush piles, and spider webs. Additionally, provide clean water sources, nesting sites such as nest boxes, and suitable food, including mealworms, crickets, peanuts, and suet.
How Frequently Wrens are Spotted in Summer and Winter in Wisconsin
Based on ebird checklists, the frequency of wren species sightings in Wisconsin during summer and winter is as follows:
Wrens in Wisconsin during Summer:
1. House Wren: 35.1%
2. Sedge Wren: 4.7%
3. Marsh Wren: 4.5%
4. Winter Wren: 2.0%
5. Carolina Wren: 0.4%
6. Rock Wren: <0.1%
7. Bewick’s Wren: <0.1%
Wrens in Wisconsin during Winter:
1. Carolina Wren: 0.6%
2. Winter Wren: 0.3%
3. Marsh Wren: <0.1%
4. House Wren: <0.1%
5. Bewick’s Wren: <0.1%
6. Sedge Wren: <0.1%