Carolina Wren Habits

Carolina Wrens, the state bird of SC, are southern birds that do not migrate. Yet, some younger birds travel northward for unknown reasons and set up residence. Currently its breeding range is a far north as Wisconsin, Minnesota, and southern New England.

As long as winters are mild, these young birds will build resident populations. If winter becomes severe resulting in food shortages, these birds will perish instead of moving south. This northward cycle would then be repeated over time.

A not so common fact about these birds is their ability to mimic the voices of other birds which they do occasionally. But its own voice of tea-kettle, tea-kettle, tea-kettle, Chirrrrrr is well known by friends of this bird.

Description

This bird measure 5 1/2 to 6 inches in length with warm brown upperparts and buff-tinged underparts.

Birdwatchers can look for a bold white eyebrow, white chin and no streaking on back. The white line eyebrow is helpful in correct identification. This separates it from the House Wren.

Mating Habits

Thest birds may form pairs at anytime during the year. These pairs tend to stay together as long as both are alive and can be seen travelling together in their territory.

Nesting Habits

The domed cup-shaped nest, with a side entrance is made of twigs, grass, bark, and lined with fine materials. The give away is the side entrance. Very helpful in identifying the nest when no bird has been seen.

Where they Nest

Located anywhere from 1 - 10 feet above ground in almost anything including a tree cavity, propane tank lids, bbq's, man-made bird houses, hanging baskets, and other ornamental types of fixtures. Door wreaths are also common nesting sites.

The female lays 4 - 8 eggs that are creamy or pink-white with brown marks. Incubation is done by the female for 12 - 14 days and the young will leave the nest in 12 -14 days after hatching.

2 or 3 broods are raised each season. The breeding season runs from April to July.

For Northern populations, hanging a few roosting pockets in sheltered areas may help them survive cold nights.

Feeding Habits - What they Eat

These birds eat insects and small animals such as tree frogs. Also included in their diet is some fruits and seeds. Sometimes visits bird feeders and seems to prefer sunflower heart chips, but I've also seen them eating safflower seed and suet.

Carolina Wren Videos - Feeding

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Learn About House Wrens

From Hatching To Flight. A friend captured it all in text and pictures.

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Roosting Pockets

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