And the winner of the Adaptable Bird Award goes to… the Carolina Wren!
While some reports say that this bird species is shy, they seem to go about their lives unperturbed by humans. Whether this is because they have an affinity for us or simply abide us is open for debate. Regardless, they have adapted in ways other birds have not. For example, wrens often choose to make their nests and raise their young in the most unlikely places – flower pots, carports and garages, abandoned cars, mailboxes and even the pockets of shirts hanging on a clothesline.
Pair bonding can occur any time of year and they mate for life. Amongst Carolina Wrens, the males sing the loudest and the females accompany the songs. For those lucky enough to have nests close by, a bit of eavesdropping will be rewarded – soft conversations in secret bird language between the parents. As a lifelong bird nerd and Star Trek fan, I’ll be first in line for that “universal translator!”
Fun Facts
Wrens sing from sunup to sundown. One individual was counted singing 3,000 times in one day.
How to Identify a Carolina Wren
This little bird with a round body and jaunty tail is a reddish, chestnut color above and a tan, butterscotch underneath with a distinctive white eyebrow stripe. Males and females are quite similar with only slight differences in a larger size and longer bills, wings and tails for the males.
Carolina Wren Habitat
Tangled undergrowth, brush piles and dense vines and bushes in the forest and in the suburbs. Leave an “untended” edge on your property and the wrens will find it.
Conservation Note
The numbers and ranges of our year-round resident wren are increasing.
ABOUT THIS SERIES:
“Birds of the Blue Ridge” showcases frequently seen and rare birds across the southern Appalachian region. For over four decades, Angela Minor has traveled with binoculars and field guides across the continental U.S., Alaska, the Caribbean and seven European countries. She is a contributing editor with BRC magazine and a freelance writer, penning travel and nature feature articles for several regional and national print publications. Angela created and authored the state park birding series for Bird Watcher’s Digest.
Read More by Angela Minor: BlueRidgeCountry.com/AngelaMinor
