The diminutive wren can be found in almost any habitat. A tiny, unmistakeable brown bird with a short, cocked tail and loud voice. Compared to its small round body, the wren has very long skinny legs. They also have a notably thin beak, allowing them to reach into crevices that bigger birds cannot.
Behaviour
Wrens can be found anywhere there are insects to eat and sheltered bushes or rock crevices in which to build their domed nest out of moss and twigs. In fact, the wren is the most common breeding bird in Britain. There are currently 8.5 million breeding pairs in the UK. They are scarcer in northern England and Scotland, with the smallest numbers in upland areas. Wrens are a popular and welcome visitor to gardens in town and country.
Size
- Length: 10cm
- Wingspan: 15cm
- Weight: 10g
- Average Lifespan: 2 years
Status
Common.
Distribution
Widespread.
When to see
January – December
Facts
- Two subspecies of wren that occur in Britain, the Fair Isle wren (Troglodytes troglodytes Fridariensis) and St Kilda wren (Troglodytes troglodytes hirtensis) are listed as Priority Species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan because both are endemic breeding birds of their respective isles in Scotland.
- Wrens are some of the lightest birds in Britain – the adults of the species weigh about the same as a £1 coin.