House Wren

The house wren is one of the most common birds in North America, and it's knows to build its nest in some unusual places. Learn how to attract a house wren to your yard, and listen to its song.

Photo: Roland Jordahl

• Scientific Name: Troglodytes aedon.
• Family: Wren.
• Length: 4-3/4 inches.
• Wingspan: 6 inches.
• Distinctive Markings: Brown body with narrow dark bars on wing and tail.
• Nest: Six or seven speckled-white eggs in a nest of twigs. Male builds multiple "dummy" nests, and then female chooses one.
• Song: Varies; rapid rolling trill that rises and then descends into a bubbling song.
• Habitat: Backyards, parks and open woods.
• Diet: Insects.
• Backyard Favorites: Birdhouses with 1-1/8-inch entrance holes.