Carolina Wren

Welcome to this week’s Wildlife of the Week!

Our Wildlife of the Week is the boisterous Carolina Wren. These little guys can really belt out some tunes! For a small bird they have an outsized voice that rings loud and clear.

Thryothorus ludovicianus Carolina Wren

They are only about 5 inches long with reddish-brown above and a warm buff colored chest. They are chunky with a round body and a short tail that they often cock upwards and a long thin bill that curves slightly downward. A long white eyebrow strip, white chin and throat complete the picture.

These energetic birds flit around vegetated areas and scoot up and down tree trunks searching for insects and fruit. They are comfortable around humans and will often build their nests in close proximity to people and houses.

They are known for building nests in unusual places and have been know to build in flower pots, mailboxes, outdoor grills and they will readily build in nest boxes. Once they have nested they will defend their territories with constant vocalizations as they aggressively scold and chase off intruders.

Most of their diet consists of insects but they are easy to attract to feeders by putting out suet, sunflower seeds and mealworms.

Look for them in dense vegetation in wooded areas, especially in old fencerows and brush piles. These birds prefer of feed close to the ground and move low through tangled understory; they frequent backyard shrubs and areas choked with vines and bushes.

Carolina Wrens mate for life. Egg laying occurs from late February to August and the female will lay 3 to 6 eggs. She incubates the eggs for 12-16 days and the young fledge in 12-14 days. A pair may raise as many as three broods in a single breeding season.

Fun fact: One captive male Carolina Wren sang nearly 3,000 times in a single day.

You can find Carolina Wrens just about anywhere on the refuge. If you don’t see them just listen! (Photos by Tom Ress)