Troglodytes aedon

L 4¼″

Habitat: House wrens are common nesters in shrubbery and brush throughout the northern two-thirds of the United States, but they winter in the southern states. They range from the plains to timberline throughout the Rocky Mountains. They are commonly found along the edges of woods, swamps, fields, and in orchards.

Nest: House wrens are aggressive in their nesting habits and will drive other birds from cavities. Nests have been found in a variety of sites including 2-inch pipes used to brace fence posts, nesting boxes, natural cavities, and downy woodpecker holes (Sutton 1930). Nests are usually less than 10 feet above the ground. Diameter of the entrance hole in nesting boxes should be 1 inch.

Food: House wrens are capable of eating large quantities of insects and arthropods, which constitute 98 percent of their diet. Animal items include beetles, caterpillars, bugs, grasshoppers, and ants (Bent 1948).

Brown-throated wren

Troglodytes brunneicollis

L 4″