Tag: Carolina Wren

Two Wren Nests At The Moment

There are two active Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) nests here at the cabin right now. One at the front door, in an actual, small, bird house. The other at the back door, in a typical Carolina Wren habit, built in a basket that is hanging from the ceiling of the porch. They are quite creative in what they use for their nests. A few summers ago a nest was built on my front porch in a graniteware coffee pot, also hanging from the porch ceiling.

They don’t migrate, living in the eastern US, the southernmost part of Ontario, Canada, and the very northeast of Mexico. Here in Virginia they raise two broods, but in the deep south they may raise three broods.

Only male Carolina Wrens sing, although females will sometimes provide backup with a male, adding a bit of chattering or a trill.

They are particularly evident in song when I’m out and in their territory. It sounds as though I’m being scolded for invading their space, which I find entertaining. Stand up for yourself, little one!

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Chatterbox Neighbor

A tiny guy that I see and hear every day. It is quite the chatterbox and if I didn’t know better I would think that it was scolding me. But surely that isn’t the case. We’re neighbors after all.

It is at the feeder often and every evening it will choose either the bird house by the front door, or the basket by the back door in which to roost.

My chatterbox neighbor, a Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) is a most entertaining creature.

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A Sassy Little Wren

A sassy little bird that might be trying to make up for its size by being so vocal. A Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus). This, one of several that I see year round here at my cabin. Little clowns that entertain me with their uninhibitedness and their relaxed nature while I’m outside with them.

They eat all sorts of insects and spiders, along with millipedes and snails. They’ve also been known to eat small tree frogs and lizards. During the winter they switch to seeds, berries and small fruits.

Put out something a little strange and they may take it as a challenge to build a nest – in a boot, in a wreath, in a potted plant. Clever birds!

Ma and Pa Carolina Wren

Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)

The two of them so active. Back and forth from the nest. Bringing morsels of yummy caterpillars for their nestlings. Only stopping from time to time to sing with great bravado.

Nestlings grow quickly. Hatching to fledging takes 12 to 14 days.

Thank goodness. I’m worn out just watching Ma and Pa.

More Nesting Activities

It pleases me greatly that Carolina Wrens (Thryothorus ludovicianus) chatter around the woods near my home all year long.

And nearly every year a pair will choose some strange object in which to build their nest and raise a family. Of course I provide the strange objects, hanging them from the front and back porch ceilings of my cabin. Baskets, a graniteware coffee pot, a gourd with a hole as a front door are just a few of those strange objects.

The male Carolina Wren may partially build several nests and after the female makes her choice the two of them will complete the nest. This year the front porch has been chosen.

Incubation which takes 12 – 16 days, is by the female only. The male feeds the female during the incubation. After hatching, both parents bring food to the nestlings. The little ones fledge at about 12-14 days after hatching.

Nature is totally enchanting.

Carolina Wren

A whole season without putting out sunflowers seeds, peanuts, peanut butter, suet. I survive since the hummingbirds keep me entertained. Fifteen or twenty of the swarming, going round and round the cabin, slurping up their syrup. Now they’re gone. Time for the other birds to keep me company again. Carolina Wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus.