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Bird Identification

Wrens

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Carolina Wren

Thryothorus ludovicianus Length: 6.5"

Look For

Our largest eastern wren, the Carolina Wren has a bold white eye line that helps set it apart visually from our other wrens. When perched or foraging, it often holds its tail cocked upward.

Listen for

Often heard before it is seen, the Carolina Wren's most common call is teakettle, teakettle, teakettle. Pairs stay together all year and keep in touch throughout the day by vocalizing back and forth. Carolinas also give a variety of chink calls as well as a harsh, rolling metallic scold—cheerrrrrr-rrr-rrr!

Remember

The House Wren is an inch smaller than the Carolina Wren, darker brown overall, and lacks the buffy chest and white eye line.

Find it

Common in brushy thickets and ravines, woodland edges, and backyards, Carolina Wrens readily come to bird feeders, where they eat sunflower seeds and peanut bits, suet, and fruit.

Wow!

Carolina Wrens seem to love nesting near humans. Nests have been found inside garages, in old shoes and empty cans, and even in clothespin bags hanging on well-used clotheslines.

This profile is an excerpt from The Young Birder's Guide by Bill Thompson, III. Purchase an autographed copy from our nature store, and check out other BWD titles designed to help you identify backyard birds.

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