How to Identify a Bewick’s Wren

What Does a Bewick’s Wren Look Like?

Courtesy Michelle Summers

Bewick’s wrens are perky brown colored birds with bold, white eye stripes, similar to the Carolina wrens that are commonly seen in the East.

“This is a pair of Bewick’s wrens (above) who used the open end of this post for their nest one year,” says Birds & Blooms reader Michelle Summers. “The previous year, Carolina chickadees used this spot. I love the birds and put a good deal of effort into providing water, food and nesting facilities for them. Sometimes they choose things like a post in just the right spot over a cute little wren bird house, but that’s OK with me. It is always special to me to witness these tiny little families grow!”

Learn how to attract and identify a house wren.

Range

Rob Ripma

Look for Bewick’s wrens across most of the western United States. Though common across their range, these songbirds are rarely spotted east of the Mississippi River.

Head southwest to see a cactus wren.

How to Attract Bewick’s Wrens

Kirsty Nadine/Getty Images

In the west, some wrens, including Bewick’s, can be lured to backyards with native shrubs and brush piles. Look for them hopping and crawling down low as they forage for insects. You may also attract them to visit a bird bath, especially if it has a small fountain or dripper.

Like other wrens, these birds frequently nest in cavities such as old woodpecker holes and manmade nest boxes.

Next, enjoy delightful pictures of wren birds.