The wren is a tiny brown bird, although it is heavier, less slim, than the even smaller goldcrest. It is dumpy, almost rounded, with a fine bill, quite long legs and toes, very short round wings and a short, narrow tail which is sometimes cocked up vertically. For such a small bird it has a remarkably loud voice. It is the commonest UK breeding bird, although it suffers declines during prolonged, severely cold winters.
Key ID Features:
Small, brown round headed bird with long pale stripe over the eye and a fine bill above a buff underside.
The tiny rounded tail is often cocked when at rest.
Spends much of it's time hidden in low undergrowth.
Strong, complex song almost always includes a low, hard trill.
Darker, barred wing tips visible in flight.
Overview
Scientific name: Troglodytes troglodytes
Family: Wrens (Troglodytidae)
Where to see them:
Found across the UK in a wide range of habitats - woodland, farmland, heathland, moorland and islands. Most are found in deciduous woodland but it is least abundant in Scotland and northern England, with the smallest numbers found in upland areas. A regular visitor to most gardens.
Seen in UK:
All year round.
What they eat
Insects and spiders.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Location: Edington, Wiltshire
Photographer: Tim tapley
