BrokenWing Chronicles
The Wren
Wrens are small, active birds, basically brown in color, that often perch with their tails held straight up. They forage on or just above the ground in thick brush, forest understory or marsh vegetation. Wrens belong to Family Troglodytidae, with about 70 species in the New World, most of them in the tropics. Only one species lives in the Old World: the winter wren, which likely spread from Alaska to Siberia and extended its range westward until, eons in the past, it reached Britain and Iceland. Some wrens nest in cavities; others build roofed structures out of plant matter. The males of several species build "dummy" nests, preliminary nests placed in tree cavities, woodpecker holes and nest boxes, and less frequently in odd enclosed spaces such as tin cans, pockets of clothing hung outdoors, hats, boots, flower pots and drainpipes. Later, a female will choose one of the male's dummy nests, finish its construction, and lay eggs in it. Wrens often pester other birds and evict them from nest cavities, puncturing their eggs or pecking their young to death. They destroy nests in cavities and in the open; they also wreck other wrens' nests. Why such belligerence? Does an abundance of empty nests discourage predators from looking further and finding an active wren's nest? Or does killing its rivals' offspring reduce pressures on prey populations, making it easier for a wren to feed its own young?
The Link
http://www.birdingguide.com/bird_families/wrens.htmObserve the wren bullying other birds. Although small, these birds like to pester other birds forcing them to leave their territory. They also destroy nests of others, often killing their young.
The Link
http://www.ehow.com/how_2063581_identify-wren.htmlHousing
WREN HOUSE
Wrens are small songbirds that are noted for providing pleasant, sweet-sounding music. Because of their willingness to adapt to both rural and city life, they're also easy to attract.
Constructing this Wren House is simple and basic. In fact, you can make four of these attractive little houses from a single, 8-foot 1" x 6" piece of lumber. Here's how:
The Link
http://www.shopsmithhandson.com/archives/mar_apr_02/html/weekend_project.htmWren House Plans - 5 Important Points To Consider
The Link
http://ezinearticles.com/?Wren-House-Plans---5-Important-Points-To-Consider&id=695209This style bird house is classically called a wren house, but other smaller species can use it as well. Chickadees and titmice are two birds besides wrens who may pick this house to nest in. Often the problem with this bird house style is the size: usually they are not big enough on the interior and deep enough for birds to build a nest in. Make certain that a wren house is at least 6″ on each side with an entrance hole at least 5 1/2″ from the bottom of the house.
The Link
http://www.bird-house-bath.com/wp/hanging-wren-bird-house-plansWhen a male House Wren claims a cavity for nesting he begins bringing sticks. He may put more than 400 sticks into one cavity. When a female pairs with the male she takes over nest building and adds the nest cup and lining.
The Link
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/House_Wren.htmlThe Carolina Wren
Singing one of the loudest songs per volume of bird, the Carolina Wren's "tea-kettle, tea-kettle, tea-kettle" is familiar across the Southeast. It is a common bird in urban areas, and is more likely to nest in a hanging plant than in a birdhouse.
The Link
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Carolina_Wren.htmlBaby Wren Footage
Feeding a Baby Wren Film
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3B4cTN0a-c&feature=relatedOf all the birds revered by the Celts the wren was considered the most sacred. In Ireland it was called the Drui-en, or Druid bird; in Welsh the word Dryw signifies both a druid and a wren. Why is it that the Druid is pictured as an apparently nondescript little bird and not as an obviously powerful bird like the eagle? An answer can be found in a story from the western highlands of Scotland. In a great assembly of all the birds of the air, it was decided that the sovereignty of the feathered tribe should be given to the bird who could fly the highest. The favourite was naturally the eagle, who immediately began his flight toward the sun - fully confident in his ability to win the title of King of the Birds. When he found himself soaring high above all his competitors, he proclaimed in a mighty voice his monarchy over all creatures who had wings. But suddenly, from out of his wings popped the wren, who had hidden himself under the eagle's feathers. He flew a few inches higher and chirped out loudly, 'Birds, look up and behold your king!'
The link
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Forum/5088/Wren.html
