Wrens are a family of brown passerine birds in the predominantly New World family Troglodytidae. The family includes 88 species divided into 19 genera. Only the Eurasian wren occurs in the Old World, where, in Anglophone regions, it is commonly known simply as the "wren", as it is the originator of the name.

Why is a Wren called Jenny?

It was a sacred bird to the Druids, who considered it "supreme among all the birds", and used its musical notes for divination. The shape-shifting Fairy Queen took the form of a Wren, known as "Jenny Wren" in nursery rhymes. A Wren's feather was thought to be a charm against disaster or drowning.

Is there such thing as a Jenny Wren?

House wrens are not good neighbors to yellow warblers, chipping sparrows and other small birds. They sometimes peck holes in the eggs of these birds. A house wren is often called Jenny wren. Obviously, not all house wrens should be called Jenny.

Is a house wren a Jenny Wren?

The Jenny wren, more properly called the house wren, is one of the noisiest birds of the dooryard. From morning to night its bubbly song is heard; to the annoyance of some people but cherished by most.

What does Jenny Wren look like?

In appearance, the upper parts and flanks have dark barring and the pale eyebrow (supercilium) is prominent. The underparts are paler with grey barring. The bill is brownish and the legs are flesh-brown/pink.

Paul McCartney - Jenny Wren （Abbey Road studio LIVE）

31 related questions found

What does it mean when a wren visits you?

The wren totem enters your life when you are sad and depressed and are unable to cheer yourself up. If their totems are good at something, it's spreading the joy that they have inside of them all around. Under their influence, you will learn that life is too short to be wasted by being upset about things.

Are wrens good birds?

Wrens are charismatic, active birds that can be a treat to see in the backyard for both avid birders and casual observers alike. However, it can be challenging to attract—and keep—wrens in your yard.

Is a wren the same as a sparrow?

Wrens: Similar in color to sparrows, wrens show more barring on the wings and tail than sparrows typically have. Chickadees: With a quick glance, chickadees can resemble either finches or sparrows, but their plumage is more pied than either bird family, and they are far more energetic and acrobatic.

What time of year do wrens lay eggs?

Females can begin laying eggs as early as March in southern populations and as early as April in northern populations. Carolina wrens nesting in the northern part of the range generally raise two broods per year, while pairs in the souther part of the range can raise up to three broods.

How can you tell if a wren is male or female?

Look closely at the house wren, and you'll see a variety of small white and black spots, the only variation in the bird's plumage. Males and females look alike and both have the wren-like habit of cocking their tails up when perched.

Where do Jenny Wrens Nest?

The Wren's nest is a beautiful and delicate dome construction consisting of moss, plant material, lichen, leaves and feathers, and located in a hollow or crevice in a tree, wall, bank or rock face. Other locations include behind climbing plants such as ivy, plus nest boxes will sometimes be used.

What noise dies a wren make?

Listen and notice the “churring” sound, which is similar in sound to the winding down of a clock. Despite this mechanical reference, the Wren's beautiful, complex and melodious song is to be admired for its rich continuous trills, ascending notes and clear timbres.

Why do wrens sing so much?

One function of House Wren song in males is to attract a mate. When male House Wrens are trying to attract a mate, spontaneous songs are produced loudly in long bouts around unoccupied nest sites. Vocalizations can also function as an 'all clear' signal to females during nest-building, incubation, and raising young.

Why are wrens so loud?

Wrens aren't the only small birds with big voices, but they are the best known for this ability. ... The answer lies in the songbird's vocal anatomy. Unlike you and I, who create sound from the larynx way up at the top of our windpipe, a bird's song comes from deep within its body.

Where do wrens sleep at night?

Titmice and Wrens: Tufted Titmice and wrens seek out tree cavities, but also love roosting pockets. Those tiny “bird bungalows” are perfect for a few tufted titmice or wrens to bunk down for the night.

Do Wrens return to the same nest?

If the previous nest is not removed, the wren will renovate it with a thin layer of nest material plus a new nest lining, often within a day or two after fledging. Nest Site Fidelity: Maybe 1/4 to 1/3 of males may return to the same breeding territory each year, but results of different studies differ.

What happens when baby wrens leave the nest?

When it gets close for the young to leave the nest you will notice the adults are around less frequently. Less feedings will encourage the young to leave the nest. Do not worry, the young will leave the nest in 16-17 days and meet up with the adults who will continue feeding and training them for about two more weeks.

How long does a wren live?

House Wren eggs take 13-15 days to hatch. The nestlings remain in the nest for 15-17 days. Considering their long migration and the fact that they weigh so little, House Wrens can live surprisingly long. One banded House Wren lived to be 9 years old.

What bird looks like a wren but bigger?

Bewick's Wren

Bewick's Wrens are larger than Winter Wrens with a clean white eyebrow, an unstreaked gray belly, and an unstreaked brown back.

What is the smallest wren?

Our smallest and darkest wren is the Pacific Wren, only recently recognized as a distinct species apart from the eastern Winter Wren. The Pacific is found all up and down the coast, from southern California to the Aleutian Islands (it's Alaska's only breeding wren).

How do you attract finches?

8 Helpful Hints for Attracting Finches

1. Place Feeders Where Finches Feel Safe. ...
2. Temporarily Remove Other Feeders. ...
3. Finches Feed on Fresh Black Seed. ...
4. Add Brightly Colored Ribbons & Plants. ...
5. Finches Need Clean Feeders. ...
6. Seed-Bearing Plants Attract Finches. ...
7. Give Black Oil Sunflower Seed a Try. ...
8. Finches Rarely Finish Their Food.

Do wrens scare other birds away?

The ideal home for House Wrens would be an old woodpecker hole, but these birds are not picky and they will chase other birds away from nesting sites that they want. ... It's not uncommon for House Wrens to actually scare birds off after nests have already been built.

Are wrens bad birds?

Aggressive creatures

House wrens are extremely territorial and aggressive. While most birds limit their aggression to members of their own species, house wrens are interspecifically antisocial. Within their small territory of an acre or so, they don't like any other birds nesting nearby.