General

Winter Wren: Tiny wren with barred, dark brown upperparts and pale eyebrows. Brown underparts are heavily barred on flanks, belly, and undertail. Tail is very short. Sexes are similar.

Range and Habitat

Winter Wren: Breeds in coniferous forests from British Columbia east to Newfoundland, and south to New England and the Great Lakes region. Winters are spent across the eastern half of the United States, south to the Gulf Coast. May be seen in the west in the Fall and Winter. Prefers dense thickets and brush.

Breeding and Nesting

Winter Wren: Four to seven white eggs with brown flecks on large end are laid in a bulky nest made of twigs and moss, with an entrance on the side, lined with softer material, and often concealed among upturned roots of a fallen tree. Incubation ranges from 12 to 16 days and is carried out by the female.

Foraging and Feeding

Winter Wren: Feeds on insects and other small invertebrates; forages on the ground and along banks of streams.

Vocalization

Winter Wren: Song is a high-pitched, varied, and rapid series of musical trills and chatters. The call note is an explosive "kit" or "kit-kit."

Similar Species

Winter Wren: Sedge Wren is streaked with white on crown and back. Rock Wren is larger with contrasting gray back and brown rump, and has buff tail tip.