Birdsong field guide
Winter Wren
Troglodytes hiemalis
A diminutive, secretive forest bird characterized by its short, cocked tail and a remarkably loud, complex song that belies its tiny size.
What it sounds like
An incredibly long, high-pitched, and rapid series of musical trills and whistles; the alarm call is a sharp, doubled 'kip-kip'.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
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Field notes
- The Winter Wren's song possesses ten times the sound power of a crowing rooster per unit of body weight.
- It was formally split from the Pacific Wren in 2010 due to distinct differences in vocalizations and DNA.
- A single song performance can contain over 100 individual notes delivered in a rapid sequence lasting up to 10 seconds.
- Males often build several 'dummy nests' within their territory to provide the female with options and to confuse potential predators.
- Its foraging style is often described as mouse-like, as it creeps through dark crevices, fallen logs, and root tangles.
Habitat
Coniferous and mixed forests with dense understory, fallen logs, and mossy banks, often near running water.
Range
Breeds across the boreal forests of Canada and the northeastern U.S.; winters throughout the eastern half of the United States.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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