Wrens and Allies: Family Troglodytidae

Wrens are a unique family of very small birds native to the New World (North and South America). These birds are plump with relatively long legs and a long pointed beak. They nest in a variety of habitats, including rain forests, grasslands, marshes, deserts, and are primarly insectivorous. Often times, you won't be able to see the wren because they nest in high grass and are too small to see. But, you can hear them. Though they are a small bird, their voices pack a punch! No two species of wrens have the same call, but most of them are complicated, trilly and LOUD. These calls are normally used to establish territory or to attact a mate.

Spelunkers?

Their family name Troglodytidae comes from the word Troglodyte, which is associated with cave dwellers. These birds do not live in caves, but do build nests that would feel a lot like a cave if you lived in one. Some species build dome shaped nests out of vegetation, and other species will often nest in cavities, which have been dug out by other birds.

Angelic Arsonists

These birds may seem like sweet, innocent angels, humbly eating bugs and living in their cave-like nests, but don't let them fool you. Many members of this family engage in what is called 'Nest-Destroying Behavior'. Many of the habitats that Wrens nest in are pretty popular bird destinations and prime nesting real estate. This means a lot of competition for food. Wrens have evolved a very devious way of coping with this: they simply destroy the other nests! One study hypothesized that these birds destroy the eggs and nests of other birds in the area in order to reduce competition for food. The study found that, when they placed nests containing a variety of different bird eggs in their habitat, Wrens attacked and destroyed all of them! Wrens can even be trapped by using Red-Winged Blackbird eggs as bait.

There are 20 genera and over 80 species of wrens found in North and South America, with one European representative. Genera include:
Genus Odontorchilus
Genus Salpinctes
Genus Microcerculus
Genus Campylorhynchus
Genus Catherpes
Genus Hylorchilus
Genus Thryomanes
Genus Thryothorus
Genus Cinnycerthia
Genus Cantorchilus
Genus Thryophilus
Genus Pheugopedius
Genus Cyphorhinus
Genus Uropsila
Genus Henicorhina
Genus Thryorchilus
Genus Troglodytes
Genus Cistothorus
Genus Ferminia