An Activity Guide About the Songbirds of British Columbia Family TROGLODYTIDAE: Wrens

FIELD MARKS There are six species of wrens in British Columbia. These wrens are small, brownish birds with bars or spots on their wings and tails. They have short, round wings and a long, thin bill that is curved slightly downward. These little birds are very energetic and can often be seen moving about with their tails held upright. They have very rich and complex songs that the male and female sometimes sing as a duet. FOOD Wrens feed mainly on insects. Some wrens that live on the ground or around rocks may eat spiders and some also eat berries or seeds. They use their long bills to search crevices for food. They are very active when they forage. NESTING Wrens nest in cavities in trees, holes in rocks, or even holes in buildings. Some wrens build their own covered space for nesting out of twigs and grass. The male sometimes builds "dummy" nests around its nesting territory that are not used and also punctures the eggs of other birds in nests within his territory. This behaviour may be an attempt to trick predators into thinking that there are only empty nests in the area and no food. The female wren incubates the eggs and both parents feed the young. Bewick's Wren (Thryomanes bewickii) House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)