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Henry Sowell

Vol. I · Est. 2026

Pl. III
Field-journal plate: Northern House Wren
The Northern House Wren plate as rendered on the e-ink frame
As rendered on the frame

The Birds · Plate III

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

Troglodytidae · Taxon 7562

Length11–13 cm (4.3–5.1 in)
Wingspan15 cm (5.9 in)
Weight10–12 g (0.3–0.4 oz)

Field marks

  1. Very small, compact, plain gray-brown wren with a flat-headed profile.
  2. Thin, slightly curved bill; upper mandible dark, lower mandible often paler.
  3. Faint pale eyebrow and pale grayish throat; no strong facial pattern.
  4. Fine dark barring across the warmer brown wings and tail.
  5. Short wings and a relatively long, narrow tail, often cocked upward.
  6. Slim pinkish-gray legs and feet.

HabitatOpen woodland, forest edge, scrub, thickets, and brushy clearings with trees or shrubs; also readily uses human-made settings that provide cover and nest cavities. Usually favors structurally varied vegetation rather than dense, closed canopy.

BehaviorActively forages through shrubs, low branches, and ground cover for insects and spiders; frequently holds its tail cocked and delivers a rapid, bubbly song from a perch. Nests in sheltered cavities, including natural holes and nest boxes.

Palette

gray-brownwarm brownbuffpale graydark brown