Beak of the Week - Carolina Wren

Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)

Family: Troglodytidae

Our Beak of the Week is a favorite Houston resident, the Carolina Wren! Male and female Carolina Wrens look alike; both are reddish-brown above and warm buffy-orange below, with a long, slightly downcurved bill, a bold white eyebrow stripe, a rusty cheek, white throat, and a relatively long tail.

Carolina Wrens are common in Houston and the eastern part of Texas. They can be found in dense forest undergrowth, especially in shrubby tangles and thickets. They usually forage in pairs, creeping around vegetated areas and scooting up and down tree trunks in search of insects, spiders, and fruit. They will visit bird feeders for seed, peanuts, and suet.

Keeping a brush pile is a great way to attract Carolina Wrens to your yard. They eat predominantly insects and readily visit suet feeders. Often heard before they are seen, this small, shy bird produces a loud song. The adults live in pairs all year, and they may "duet" at any season, with the female giving a chattering note while the male sings ringing variations of tea-kettle-tea-kettle-tea kettle.

Males build nests in various locations to attract a mate. Once he has attracted a female, she usually proceeds to build her own nest, ignoring all his attempts. Sometimes Carolina Wrens use nest boxes, but they often prefer eave overhangs and more unusual spots, particularly hanging baskets. If a Carolina Wren nests in an inconvenient place, don't despair! From when the female lays her last egg it's only about 4 weeks until the babies leave the nest. Sit back and enjoy the family antics even if it is in your favorite gardening hat.

✏️ By Vicki Stittleburg and Berri Moffett

📸 Photos by Greg Lavaty

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Visit our Bird Gallery to read about other Texas birds!

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