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Marsh Wren
Scientific Name:
Cistothorus palustris
Type:
Bird
Habitat:
Wetlands, including freshwater ponds and saltwater shorelines, areas with cattails, sedges, and bulrushes
Range:
Throughout much of North America, from the west coast to the east coast, north into parts of western and central Canada, and south into Mexico
Status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)
This species is
NATIVE
to the Truckee Meadows.
Identification:
Marsh Wrens are a small, round bird, about the size of a sparrow. Marsh wrens are about 4 to 5.5 inches in length, weigh less than half an ounce, and have a wingspan of less than 6 inches. Marsh wrens are rust to brown in color, with some black and white highlights, lighter underparts, and a definitive white eyebrow streak.1,2 As is common with many wrens, Marsh wrens have a tail that nearly points up to the sky. Because Marsh wrens are so tiny and live in thick cattails, they can be hard to find, you may have more luck listening for them at dawn or dusk, or, unlike many other birds, Marsh wrens will sing and trill all night. Marsh wrens have a thin beak to quickly snap up spiders and insects they find along the cattails and marsh vegetation.
Fast Facts:
Male Marsh wrens are the architects, building at least six nests for each female.1 While only one nest is selected by each female, the extra nests may signify territorial boundaries during nesting season. During the other seasons, the extra nests may also provide a place to sleep for other Marsh wrens.
Marsh wrens may appear to be cute and tiny, but they are fierce and territorial, regularly sabotaging the nests of other Marsh wrens and other birds.
Sources:
Contributor(s):
Regina Hockett (research & content)
Kevin Lynch (edits & page design)
Last Updated:
August 26, 2024 at 10:19:37 PM
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