Wren

The tiny wren, with its typically cocked tail, is a welcome and common visitor to gardens across town and countryside. It builds its domed nests in sheltered bushes and rock crevices.

Species information

Statistics

Length: 10cm
Wingspan: 15cm
Weight: 10g
Average lifespan: 2 years

Conservation status

Common. Classified in the UK as Amber under the Birds of Conservation Concern 5: the Red List for Birds (2021). Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework.

When to see

January to December

About

The diminutive wren can be found in almost any habitat where there are insects to eat and bushes or rock crevices in which to build their domed nest out of moss and twigs. In fact, the wren is the most common breeding bird in in the UK; there are currently 8.6 million breeding wren territories. It is scarcer in northern England and Scotland and upland areas.

How to identify

A tiny, brown bird with a short, cocked tail and a loud voice, the wren is unmistakable.

Distribution

Widespread.

Habitats

Did you know?

There are a number of subspecies of wren, including the Fair Isle wren (Troglodytes troglodytes Fridariensis) and the St Kilda wren (Troglodytes troglodytes hirtensis). Both are endemic breeding birds of their respective isles in Scotland.