House Wren Troglodytes aedon

House Wren Troglodytes aedon

Despite its small size, the House Wren is aggressive in competition for nesting sites. It sometimes tosses the nest, eggs, and even the young of other cavity-nesters out onto the ground. In early spring, the male returns early from the south and builds several rough "dummy" nests; when the female arrives, she may use one of these establishments or start a new nest altogether.

Identification Small and plump. Dull brown above, with faint dusky bars on wings; grayish white below. Tail short, with dark bars and no spots.

House Wren Troglodytes aedon Voice Song a rising and falling, bubbling chatter, repeated many times.

Habitat Woodland edges, farms, city parks, and residential areas.

Range Breeds from S. British Columbia, N. Alberta, Ontario, and Maine south to S. California, Arizona, N. Texas, and Georgia. Winters from S. California to Gulf Coast and South Carolina southward.