Undaunted by the summer heat and the winter chill, the Carolina wren sings through the seasons, his loud, clear melody echoing through our neighborhoods. Common throughout most of the eastern U.S., this small songbird is easily identified by his cinnamon-brown plumage, white eye stripe, white throat and typical wren silhouette.
Aggressive and independent, the Carolina wren is usually found alone, rummaging through thickets or delivering his song from an open perch. After pairing up in early spring, this permanent resident is known for nesting in a variety of sites, from natural tree cavities to mailboxes or discarded boots. Once the young are raised, Carolina wrens resume their solitary lifestyle and, unlike most insectivores, do not migrate south for the winter. During that season, they scour the leaf litter for hibernating insects and often visit the suet block; hardy and adaptable, these wrens will also consume small seeds through the colder months.
There is an optimistic tone to the song of the Carolina wren and, since it is delivered throughout the year, it gives us a sense of reassurance. Sometimes, inspiration and encouragement come in small packages.
