
The Carolina wren was a favorite even in colonial times. This Carolina wren can be lured to a bottle (see pic in photo's page) for a design used to attract nesting wrens in colonial Williamsburg. They often nest in strange places, like mailboxes, flower baskets and pockets on clothes that are hanging to dry.
Common Names: Carolina wren, mocking wren and Louisiana wren
Distinctive Markings: Stocky wren with white eye stripe and bright rusty brown plumage.
Distinctive Behavior: Sings year round and protects its territory all year.
Song: Loud varied song. Often heard as "tea kettle, tea kettle, tea kettle."
Backyard Favorites: One of the few wrens that visit bird feeders. Serve peanuts, suet, peanut butter and nutmeats.
Key Facts: Sizes, Breeding, Lifestyle, and Related Species:
Sizes:
Length: 5 1/2 in., including tail feathers
Wingspan: 7 1/2 in.
Breeding:
Eggs: 1-2, sometimes 3, Speckled pink eggs
Days to leaving nest: 14 days
Broods:: up to 3 per year.
Nesting: Spring & Summer
Lifestyle:
Habitat: Commonly four in brush and heavy undergrowth in forests, parks, wooded suburban areas and gardens.
Diet: Primarily spiders and insects; eats some berries and seeds.
Some feathers for thought:
While
the house wren often gets the glory because of its coast to coast
territory and cute "Jenny Wren" nickname. its Carolina cousin has a
striking good looks and the lung power to make sure its not overlooked
as a backyard favorite in the Southeast.
Of the nine North American wrens, the
Carolina wren is the friendliest around people, often nesting in back
yards, and visit feeders. Carolina wrens have a way of finding nooks
and crannies to build their nest in.It does not take long for them to
nest in mail boxes, stone walls, rafters etc.
Expanding their territory where at
one time they were only found in southern areas. Inhabiting wooded and
bushy areas in the southeast. Its named for South Carolina s its State
Bird. (see Link for information on South Carolina).
But Carolina wrens will drift northward, during mild winters. Their
territory expanded to include New England and upper Midwest, many bird
don't survive hard winters.
Did You Know:
They like peanut butter.
Its alarm note is unique, a distinct buzzing noise that some have
compared to the sound of a thumb being rubbed against the teeth of a
comb.
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