Wrens are delightfully energetic little birds that bring joy to backyards across North America. Their plucky personalities and loud, complex songs make them a backyard favorite. Attracting wrens to your yard is easy with a customized birdhouse. With a properly constructed wren house, you can provide critical nesting habitat and enjoy hours of entertainment watching the busy antics of these tiny feathered fluffs.
An Introduction to Wrens
Wrens are in the family Troglodytidae and are one of the most common groups of small perching birds across North America. There are around 80 species of wrens worldwide, with 8 species native to the United States and Canada.
Some of the most common backyard wrens include:
- Carolina Wren – A rotund reddish-brown wren with white eye stripes. It has a loud, ringing “teakettle-teakettle” call.
- House Wren – A small, grayish-brown wren with barring on the wings and tail. It has a very loud and complex bubbly warbling song.
- Winter Wren – A tiny wren with a round body and short tail that bobs up and down. It has a surprisingly loud and flute-like song.
- Bewick’s Wren – A grayish-brown wren with white eyebrows and a long tail that is tipped white. Its song is a string of trills, whistles, and gurgles.
Wrens are active, inquisitive little birds. They spend most of their time hopping along branches probing for insects and spiders. Wrens are fearless and pugnacious despite their tiny size, often mobbing much larger birds that enter their territory.
Wrens form monogamous breeding pairs and defend breeding territories. However, they do not migrate in flocks and outside of the breeding season they lead solitary lives. Wrens nest in cavities and readily use nest boxes. With proper accommodations, they are loyal backyard birds, often using the same nest site year after year.
Benefits of Attracting Wrens
Attracting wrens to your yard has many benefits:
- Pest Control – Wrens eat insects and provide natural pest control. Their favorite snacks include beetles, caterpillars, moths, spiders, ticks, aphids, ants, and flies. A family of wrens can consume thousands of bugs each day!
- Pollination – Wrens dart from flower to flower feeding on nectar and collecting insects. Their movements pollinate flowers as they go about their daily routines.
- Weed Control – Wrens hop along the ground gathering seeds from invasive weeds and grasses to feed their young. Their seed foraging helps control weeds.
- Fertilization – Wren droppings are packed with nutrients from the insects and seeds they eat. As they perch and nest, their nutritious poop fertilizes plants.
- Joyful Companions – Wrens are incredibly active, loud, and social. Watching their antics and listening to their songs brings cheer to backyard environments.
Attracting wrens is one of the most rewarding ways to invite wildlife into your yard!
Birdhouse Design Tips for Wrens
Wrens are selective when it comes to nest sites. They have specific requirements for cavity depth, entrance size, ventilation, and more. Follow these tips when building or buying a birdhouse for wrens:
- Small Entrance Hole – The entrance should be 1-1 1⁄8” in diameter. This prevents larger birds from entering.
- No Perch – Don’t include a perch beneath the entrance hole. Wrens can easily cling to the hole and perches allow predators to reach in.
- Proper Depth – The cavity should be between 4-8 inches deep. This gives room for nest building and bird movement.
- Internal Dimensions – The floor of the box should be 3×3 to 4×4 inches. Wrens build domed nests that fill out the interior.
- Good Ventilation – Drill ventilation holes near the top of the box so air can freely circulate.
- Recessed Floor – A recessed floor 1-2 inches from the bottom prevents the nest from getting soaked in rain.
- No Paint or Stain – Paint and stain can leak toxic chemicals. Use natural untreated wood. Cedar and pine work well.
- Drainage Holes – Add a few small holes in the floor to allow rainwater to drain out.
- Partial Sun – Mount the house in partial sun, facing east or north to avoid overheating.
Paying attention to these design factors will create an attractive and functional nesting site for wrens.
Where to Place Wren Houses
Proper placement of wren houses is key to occupancy. Follow these tips on where to install wren birdhouses:
Location
- Near trees or shrubs – Wrens prefer nesting sites with cover from foliage and branches. Avoid wide open spaces.
- 5-15 feet high – Mount the house on a tree, post, or wall above the ground but low enough for easy access.
- Face east or north – Aim the entrance away from prevailing winds and afternoon sun to avoid overheating.
- Partially shaded – Dappled sunlight is best. Avoid full sun which can cause the interior to get dangerously hot.
Territory
- Spaced apart – Space multiple houses 30-50 feet apart to allow each pair their own territory.
- Away from feeders – Nest boxes should be set at least 15-20 feet away from bird feeders to minimize disturbances.
- Away from noisy areas – Situate nest boxes away from high traffic and noisy locations.
With ideal placement that suits their preferences, wrens will readily move into your custom-built abodes!
When to Provide Wren Houses
Timing is important when putting up wren houses. Follow this timeline for best results:
- Early Spring – Install nest boxes in early spring before breeding season starts. Early March is optimal in most regions.
- Fall Removal – Take nest boxes down in late fall after all young have fledged and migrated. Late October is a good target.
- Winter Storage – Store nest boxes over winter to prevent other species from roosting and to protect the box from damage.
- Annual Maintenance – Clean out old nesting material each year before putting boxes back up for spring. This helps reduce parasites.
Avoid leaving nest boxes up through winter or putting them up too late in spring after territories are established and nesting is underway. Timing it right in early spring and removing them in fall is key for wren success!
Common Problems with Wren Houses
Even with proper birdhouse design and placement, you may encounter issues with your wren abodes. Here are some common problems and solutions:
House Sparrows
House sparrows are aggressive invasive birds that compete with native wrens. Monitor boxes for these interlopers and quickly remove their nest starts.
Occupied by Mice or Insects
Mice, earwigs, ants and other pests can take over unattended nest boxes over winter. Always clean out boxes before spring.
Too Hot
Excessive heat can kill nestlings. Improve ventilation, add shade, or reposition the box. Light colored houses stay cooler.
Nest Gets Soaked
Driving rain or pooling water can drown young and eggs. Add drainage holes and recess the floor to fix this.
Predators
Cats, raccoons, and snakes raid nests for eggs and chicks. Mount boxes on predator-proof poles or baffles to deter them.
With attentive monitoring and quick problem solving, you can avoid common issues that befall wren nest boxes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Wren Birdhouse
Building your own custom wren birdhouse is rewarding and ensures you can provide exactly the right specifications wrens need. Follow these step-by-step instructions:
Supplies Needed
- 1 small plank of untreated 3⁄4-inch thick wood (cedar or pine)
- 2 small planks of untreated 1⁄4-1/2 inch thick wood for the front
- Wood glue
- 11⁄4 inch diameter drill bit
- Assorted small drill bits
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Sandpaper
- Wood shims or small twigs (optional)
Directions
- Cut the 3⁄4 inch thick wood into the following pieces:
- Front panel: 5×5 inches
- Back panel: 5×5 inches
- One side panel: 5×51⁄2 inches
- Second side panel: 5×51⁄2 inches
- Bottom panel: 51⁄2×51⁄2 inches
- Top panel: 5×5 inches
- Cut entrance hole: Use the 11⁄4 inch bit to drill the entrance hole in the front panel, centered about 1-2 inches from the top.
- Add drainage holes: Using a small bit, drill 5-10 drainage holes in the bottom panel.
- Sand edges: Lightly sand all panels on both sides to smooth edges and improve wood adhesion.
- Assemble box: Apply wood glue on edges. Attach the front to the sides then attach the back last using screws. Allow to dry completely before attaching top.
- Attach top: Using wood glue and screws, attach the top panel last with the entrance hole oriented upwards.
- Ventilation holes: Drill 5-10 small ventilation holes under roof line on the sides and back panels.
- (Optional) Add shims: Glue 4-5 wooden shims/twigs inside the front two bottom corners to provide a recessed floor.
- Finish exterior: Stain, paint, or finish the exterior as desired. Allow to dry fully before installation.
- Mount and enjoy your new wren house! Clean out annually before each new nesting season.
Follow those steps precisely and you’ll have a custom-built wren house perfectly suited for attracting these delightful songbirds. For extra durability, apply two coats of non-toxic sealant or wood finish after painting. Locate your wren haven according to the placement tips above to invite wrens to raise their families.
How to Attract Wrens to Nest Boxes
Building the perfect wren house only works if birds actually use it. Use these proven tips to entice wrens into your nest boxes:
- Ideal habitat – Ensure your yard offers what wrens need: insects, seed-bearing plants, trees and shrubs, and nest cavities.
- Spring timing – Have nest boxes up and ready one month before breeding season begins.
- House location – Place nest boxes in ideal wren real estate according to the location tips above.
- Nesting material – Fill the box with nest starter materials like dried grasses, moss, and wool scraps. Wrens will remove what they don’t need.
- Shelter and safety – Position nest boxes close to brushy cover and away from feeders and busy spaces.
- Prevent invaders – Plug the entrance hole when not in use to keep out unwanted occupants.
- No nest cleaning – Never empty out an active nest. Wait until late fall before annual clean out.
- Remove sparrow starts – Monitor for house sparrow activity and remove any nest beginnings promptly.
With the right preparations, you can entice wrens to take up residence in style. Once you get a pair nesting for a season, they will likely return year after year!
Spotlight on the Carolina Wren
Of all the wren species, Carolina Wrens are most likely to be permanent backyard residents that readily use nest boxes. Getting to know the traits and habits of this species in particular is helpful. Here’s an overview:
Appearance
- Warm reddish-brown plumage
- Buff-colored underparts with white throat
- Bold white eye stripe
- Fainty barred black and white wings and tail
- Long curved bill
- Frequently cocks tail upwards
Behavior
- Loud, exuberant singer with a rich repertoire of songs and calls
- Melodic and upbeat “teakettle-teakettle” call
- Hops between branches exploring every nook and cranny
- Often nests close to human homes and activity
- Aggressive defender of its territory
- Primarily eats insects supplemented with some seeds and berries
- Male feeds incubating female on nest
Nesting
- Breeding season is March to July with 2-3 broods
- Male builds several nest options for female to choose from
- Nest is cup-shaped and bulky, built from grasses and leaves
- Lays 3-5 tiny white eggs marked with reddish-brown spots
- Incubation is 12-16 days
- Young fledge in 12-18 days
From their frisky antics to their boisterous vocalizations, Carolina Wrens are truly the life of the backyard party. They will bring nonstop activity and sound to your home from spring through summer with a charmingly rambunctiousnesting cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wren Birdhouses
New birdhouse owners often have some common questions when getting started. Here are helpful answers to some frequently asked questions about wren houses.
What are the best materials for a wren house?
The best bird house materials are untreated natural wood like cedar, pine, cypress or redwood. Avoid pressure-treated lumber which contains toxins. Cedar has natural rot resistance.
How do I clean out used nest boxes?
To clean, open the box and remove all old nesting material and droppings. Gently scrape out debris and wash with a mild, no-bleach disinfectant. Allow to fully dry before rehanging.
Do I need to provide nesting materials?
You can put some dried grasses, moss or pet hair in the box to give them a starter base. But wrens will gladly build their own nest.
When will wrens start using the birdhouses?
If boxes are up before breeding season, wrens will start house hunting in early spring. Once they lay eggs, it takes about 4 weeks total from egg to fledged young.
How can I keep sparrows and starlings from taking over?
Use the proper sized entrance hole, avoid perches, and promptly remove any nest starts from non-native species.
Should I monitor the nest boxes?
It’s best not to disturb them once the female starts laying eggs. Check weekly prior for issues. Observe activity from a distance.
How often do I need to clean the box out?
You should clean out old nesting materials and droppings at the end of each nesting season before storing for winter.
Can I move an occupied nest box?
It is best not to move or disturb an active nest. Wait until the end of summer after all young have fledged before relocating the box.
With the proper birdhouse setup and information, you can successfully invite wrens to nest in your backyard. They will reward you with endless entertainment and natural pest control services!
Enjoy the Rewards of Nesting Wrens
Encouraging wrens to take up residence in your yard is extremely rewarding. The high activity, boisterous noises, and industrious insect-hunting of wrens will quickly make them one of your favorite backyard visitors. Kids will delight in listening to the chicks chirping for food as they grow. You’ll enjoy watching the fledglings take their first hops and flights outside the nest. The small investment of installing proper wren houses will provide you with outsized enjoyment and satisfaction. So build or buy the perfect nest box, place it properly, and get ready to host a family of fabulous feathered friends!