Bird of Interest 2 – Wren

The Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) is a tiny bird that can be recognised by its dumpy proportions, mainly dark brown plumage and its habit of cocking its tail upright. The wren is rather unobtrusive as it creeps through low vegetation in search for insects, and it can look rather mouselike in appearance. Fortunately, the species is extremely vocal and the presence of unseen birds is often detected by hearing its loud and warbling song, ending in a trill much like a robin’s.

The Wren is extremely widespread resident species in the UK. It is found in a wide variety of habitats, from woodlands to hedgerows and gardens, the common factor being dense undergrowth. In order to observe wren’s, listen out for their distinctive call to ascertain whether the species is present in any given area. Although wren’s prefer to feed in the undergrowth, they typically emerge from cover periodically and perch in the open.

Wren by Sergey Yeliseev, on Flickr

Reference List:

  • Sterry.P., (2004) Collins Complete Guide to British Birds. Harper Collins Publishing Ltd, London.