House wrens are small but mighty birds that fill the air with their bubbly songs and tireless energy. These cavity-nesting birds are a common sight in Chester County during the summer, busily raising their young and foraging for insects. In June 2023, I captured this moment of a house wren bringing a spider back to its nest, a testament to their relentless dedication as parents.

In this post, we’ll explore the life of these wrens, their nesting habits, and how you can attract them to your own backyard.

Identification: What Does a House Wren Look Like?

House wrens (Troglodytes aedon) are small, brown birds with short tails often held upright. They have thin, slightly curved bills and lack the bold markings seen on many other small songbirds. While they may appear unassuming at first glance, house wrens are anything but dull. Their energetic behavior and constant movement make them fun to watch, and their bubbly, complex song is unmistakable.

Adults are around 4.3 to 5.1 inches in length with a wingspan of about 5.9 inches. Their brownish-gray plumage blends well with their surroundings, but their lively movements often give them away.

Like house wrens, white-breasted nuthatches are small, active birds that often forage for insects and build their nests in tree cavities. Learn more about their fascinating behaviors here: https://www.mrbirdmanphotography.com/white-breasted-nuthatch/.

Nesting Habits: A Family Affair

House wrens are cavity nesters, meaning they seek out small openings in trees, man-made birdhouses, or other nooks and crannies to build their nests. They’re highly territorial and aggressive when defending their chosen nesting spot, often chasing off much larger birds to ensure the safety of their young.

In the image above, I captured a parent wren returning to the nest with a spider, ready to feed its eager chick. This is a common sight during the summer months, as house wrens are dedicated parents, making countless trips each day to feed their young.

These wrens typically lay between 4 and 8 eggs, which hatch after about two weeks of incubation. Both parents are involved in feeding the chicks, and the young will fledge the nest after around 15-17 days. Even after fledging, the parents may continue to feed their offspring for a short period.

Feeding and Foraging: The Search for Spiders

House wrens primarily eat insects and spiders, making them a beneficial bird to have around your garden. In this photo, the parent bird has caught a spider, a common prey item, to feed its chick. Their diet includes beetles, caterpillars, ants, flies, and other small invertebrates, which they forage for on the ground or in vegetation.

They’re also known for their habit of inspecting crevices, under leaves, and along tree bark to find hidden food. Their small size and agility allow them to reach areas that larger birds may not.

Attracting House Wrens to Your Backyard

If you’d like to attract house wrens to your backyard, providing suitable nesting sites is key. Here are a few tips to make your space more inviting to these busy birds:

1. Birdhouses: Install a wren house with an entrance hole about 1 inch in diameter. Wrens are known to use man-made birdhouses, so placing one in your yard may attract a nesting pair.
2. Native Plants: Planting native shrubs and trees provides cover and food sources for house wrens and other birds.
3. Insect-Friendly Garden: Since wrens rely on insects for food, avoiding pesticides and planting insect-attracting plants can create a wren-friendly environment.
4. Keep Nest Boxes Clean: After the breeding season, clean out birdhouses to prevent the spread of parasites and make the space ready for future nesting.

Why House Wrens Are Perfect Summer Companions

These birds may be small, but they play a big role in keeping garden pests in check. Their relentless pursuit of insects helps to control pest populations naturally, and their active presence brings life and song to any yard. These birds are particularly enjoyable to watch during the breeding season, as they zip around, tirelessly gathering food for their young.

Final Thoughts

House wrens are one of the most fascinating birds to observe during the summer months in Chester County. Their dedication to their young, lively behavior, and constant song make them a welcome addition to any backyard. By providing nesting sites and maintaining an insect-friendly garden, you can enjoy the company of these tireless little birds all summer long.

If you enjoyed this post and want to learn more about local birds, follow along on my blog and Instagram at @Mrbirdmanphotography for more birdwatching tips, stories, and behind-the-scenes insights!

• Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds: House Wren, https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/House_Wren/overview (last visited Oct. 13, 2024).
• National Audubon Society, Guide to North American Birds: House Wren, https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/house-wren (last visited Oct. 13, 2024).
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, House Wren – Troglodytes aedon, https://www.fws.gov/species/house-wren-troglodytes-aedon (last visited Oct. 13, 2024).
• Pennsylvania Game Commission, Birds of Pennsylvania: House Wren, https://www.pgc.pa.gov/Wildlife/WildlifeSpecies/Birds/Pages/HouseWren.aspx (last visited Oct. 13, 2024).