Animal profile

House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

AvesWoodland edge, shrubby gardens, hedges and farmyardsLeast Concern

Field profile

The house wren is a small, plain brown bird with a cocked tail and a loud bubbling song out of proportion to its size. It nests in cavities and boxes and readily uses odd containers. The male builds several stick foundations before the female chooses one.

Published field notes

2024-09-09

House Wren

Male house wrens build several unused nests

A male house wren fills multiple cavities in his territory with stick foundations before any female arrives. She inspects them, selects one and finishes it herself. The surplus nests occupy cavities that rivals might otherwise use.

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