wren

A wren is a small songbird in the family Troglodytidae. Wrens are among the smallest passerines and occur primarily in the Americas, though the Eurasian wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) is included in the same family. They are known for their bold vocalizations relative to their size.

Most wrens are compact birds with short wings and tails and a stout, slightly down-curved bill. Plumage is typically brown or gray with streaks or other subtle markings. Sizes generally range from 8 to 12 centimeters in length, depending on the species.

Wrens inhabit a variety of habitats, including woodlands, shrubs, hedgerows, gardens, and marsh edges. They are typically insectivorous, foraging through leaf litter and dense vegetation by hopping rather than perching for long stretches.

Male wrens often sing to defend territories and attract mates; some species produce loud, complex songs that carry through dense brush. They are usually non-migratory in many regions but may undertake local movements in response to seasonal availability.

Nesting behavior varies but many wrens construct domed or enclosed nests, sometimes with a roof or woven into crevices, behind bark, or inside hollow logs. Both parents help feed the young in most species.

Notable species in the Americas include the house wren (Troglodytes aedon) and the winter wren (Troglodytes hiemalis); the Eurasian wren is the most familiar Old World representative of the group. Taxonomy has undergone revisions as genetic data clarified relationships within Troglodytidae.

Conservation status varies by species; while many wrens are common, habitat loss, climate change, and introduced predators threaten certain populations.