Carolina Wren

Carolina Wren - a Rare Feeder Bird

Carolina Wren

The Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) is a very rare bird in New Brunswick which sometimes visits feeders.   It is often seen in winter coming regularly to a feeder or two usually in the southern part of the province.  Right now (2020) there are reports of two in Riverview and one in Fredericton.

The wren family, Troglodytidae, contains 11 species and 7 genera.  Of those 11 species 5 have been seen here.  The Winter Wren is a regular summer resident.  The Carolina Wren, House Wren and Marsh Wren are seen here every year in small numbers.  The Sedge Wren is very rare here.

Carolina Wren [Internet Photo]

The normal range of the Carolina Wren includes southern New England south to Florida and westward to the central US and southward into eastern Mexico.  The range of this species is generally expanding.  It does not migrate but there are incursions by individuals into new territory, hence their appearance here.  This expansion is generally sustained with pull backs after severe winters.  The first definite occurrence in New Brunswick was in 1974.  There has been one breeding record, in 2002 in Grand Manan where two broods were raised by one pair.

The Carolina Wren is a brightly-coloured medium-sized wren (14 cm/ 5.5 in long).  Generally it has rufous upper parts and buffy under parts.  The throat is white and the bill is long and decurved.  The wings and tail are dark barred with white flecks.  The distinguishing feature is the wide white eyebrow.  This identifies this wren as a Carolina.  Wrens in general are identified as small active brown birds with upright tails.  They are fun to watch as they flit around looking for insects and other food.

Carolina Wrens are common in dense shrubbery near human dwellings.  They are commonly heard by their frequent loud calls.  Although they make many different sounds they are often heard singing their teakettle teakettle teakettle or cheery cheery cheery sounds.  This is so common most people know what is making that song!

Carolina Wren

Carolina Wrens build their nest in shrubbery near buildings.  The nest is dome-shaped with a side entrance and made of dried plant parts, strips of bark, horsehair, string, wool and snake skins.  The female builds the nest and the male brings the materials to her.  Nests are also in tree cavities, nest boxes, buildings, mail boxes, etc.  Nests are usually 1 to 3 m above the ground level.  The female lays 3 to 6 eggs that are creamy white with brown or reddish-brown spots.  Incubation lasts 12-16 days. Both adults feed the young.

I don't expect we will see nesting Carolina Wrens here for quite some time but it would be nice to hear their cheery voice.  The Carolina Wren is the state bird of South Carolina.  An interesting fact about this species is that they will sometimes build multiple nests in order to fool predators.