Description of the Winter Wren
BREEDING MALE
Photograph © Greg Lavaty
The Winter Wren has dark brown upperparts, brownish underparts, a buffy line above the eye, heavy black barring on the flanks and crissum, and a very short, barred tail that is usually held cocked upright.
Female
Photograph © Greg Lavaty
Sexes similar.
Seasonal change in appearance
None.
Juvenile
Juveniles are similar to adults.
Habitat
Winter Wrens inhabit coniferous forests and brushy undergrowth.
Diet
Winter Wrens primarily eat insects; rarely berries.
Behavior
Winter Wrens forage by hopping on trunks, branches, or on the ground.
Range
Winter Wrens breed from Alaska south to parts of the West Coast and northeastern states, and Appalachians. They winter throughout much of the eastern U.S. They also occur in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The North American population may be declining in the west and increasing in the east.
Fun Facts
Winter Wrens are small and secretive, usually staying low to the ground, but sometimes singing from higher perches.
Winter Wrens are often mentioned as having one of the best songs of North American birds.
Male Winter Wrens may build a number of "dummy" nests, from which the female chooses the one to be used.
Vocalizations
The song is a long, complicated series of tinkling notes and buzzes.