Bewick’s Wren
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Passeriformes Family: Troglodytidae Genus: Thryomanes
Species: Thryomanes bewickii
Often confused with the Carolina Wren, the Bewick’s Wren has light grey plumage below while the Carolina Wren is rusty orange below. It can sing quite loudly for its size, and it has many different calls, such as warbles, whistles, and trills. Young males learn their father’s song and change it slightly so that it is unique to them. It prefers dense, scrubby environments, and it usually nests in the cavities of trees or ledges. The Bewick’s Wren has experienced a sharp decline because House Wrens tend to push its eggs out of the nest. An increase in nest boxes that House Wrens nest in has led to an increase in House Wrens and therefore a decrease in Bewick’s Wrens. The Bewick’s Wren was named after Thomas Bewick, who was a friend to the bird artist who collected the very first specimen.
Conservation status: Least concern
Description: Brown plumage on top and lighter plumage on the underbelly; distinct white stripe on head over the eye on either side; the beak is long, slender, and slightly curved; long tail with black bars and white corners
Length: 5 inches
Wingspan: 7 inches
Diet: Insects and insect eggs
Habitat: Parks, woodlands, or backyards
Season: All year
Credit source: Cornell Lab of Ornithology
