The Carolina Wren has reddish-brown upperparts, a long white supercilium, a white throat, and buffy underparts.  Length: 5 in.  Wingspan: 7 in.

Photograph © Glenn Bartley.

The sexes are similar.

None.

Juveniles are similar to adults.

Carolina Wrens inhabit woodlands, thickets, towns, and gardens.

Carolina Wrens eat insects and spiders.

Carolina Wrens forage on the ground as well as in low thickets.

Carolina Wrens are resident in much of the eastern U.S. The population appears to be increasing.

More information:

Bent Life History

Visit the Bent Life History for extensive additional information on the Carolina Wren.

Wing Shape

The shape of a bird's wing is often an indication of its habits and behavior. Fast flying birds have long, pointed wings. Soaring birds have long, broad wings. Different songbirds will have a slightly different wing shape. Some species look so much alike (Empidonax flycatchers) that scientists sometimes use the length of specific feathers to confirm a species' identification.

• Male, North Carolina, May
• From below

Wing images from the University of Puget Sound, Slater Museum of Natural History

Carolina Wrens have been expanding their range north in recent decades, though in severe winters the northern populations may be wiped out.

Carolina Wrens maintain pair bonds and territories year-round, and they also sing year-round.

Carolina Wrens have a musical song sometimes described as "cheeseburger-cheeseburger-cheeseburger". A variety of call notes are also given.

Will visit water features and suet feeders.