The House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) is a small songbird found throughout much of North America. Measuring only 4-5 inches in length, the House Wren is known for its energetic chattering song and tendency to nest almost anywhere it can find a cavity or crevice.
Geographic Range
The House Wren has an extensive geographic range that covers much of North America. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the breeding range of the House Wren includes southern Canada, most of the continental United States, northern Mexico and Central America. Parts of the Caribbean, including the Bahamas, Cuba and Jamaica, are also included in the House Wren’s range.
Specifically, the House Wren breeds in the following areas during the summer months:
- Canada: Southern British Columbia east to southern Quebec and Newfoundland
- United States: Washington, Oregon, California, northern Nevada, western Montana, North Dakota, south to southern Texas and northern Florida
- Mexico: Northern and central regions south to Puebla
- Caribbean: Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica
- Central America: South to central Panama
In the fall and winter, the majority of House Wrens migrate south to the southern United States, Mexico, Central America and the northern parts of South America. However, some individuals remain year-round throughout much of the breeding range in the southern United States.
Preferred Habitat
The House Wren occupies a variety of open and wooded habitats across its breeding range, including:
- Open woodlands
- City parks
- Suburban areas
- Orchards
- Farmyards
- Forest edges
It prefers areas that provide plenty of cover as well as cavities for nesting, such as brush piles, stumps, crevices in buildings, nest boxes and other manmade structures. Though House Wrens are adaptable to human development, they still require nearby undisturbed areas for foraging.
Migration
Most House Wren populations migrate south in the winter months. They generally leave their breeding grounds starting in September and October. Spring migration north begins in late February and March.
Migration distance depends on the breeding locale. Western populations may only migrate short distances south. House Wrens that breed in Canada and the northern U.S. tend to migrate farther distances to the southern U.S., Mexico and Central America. There is also a resident population of House Wrens in the southernmost parts of the breeding range that do not migrate.
During migration, House Wrens make frequent stops to rest and feed. They may use a combination of nighttime and daytime flying. Exact migration routes and routines can vary by region and population.
Winter Range
The winter range of the House Wren encompasses the southern United States, Mexico, Central America and parts of northern South America.
In the U.S., House Wrens winter along the Pacific Coast, across the Southern Plains, along the Gulf Coast and throughout the Southeast. The southernmost limit is southern Florida and southern Texas.
Further south, House Wrens winter in Mexico south of the Tropic of Cancer, through Central America, and into northern Colombia and Venezuela in South America. They are widespread but local throughout the West Indies during winter as well.
Habitats used during winter are similar to those used in the breeding range, including open woods, scrub, forest edges, suburbs and farmsteads. The presence of brush piles, natural cavities and nest boxes can be important habitat components.
Elevation Range
During the breeding season, House Wrens can be found from sea level up to around 10,000 feet in mountainous areas. In winter, they are generally not found above 5,000 feet in elevation.
Some key details about the elevation range of breeding House Wrens:
- Pacific Coast: Sea level to around 6,500 feet
- Rocky Mountains: Sea level to 10,000 feet
- Southwest: Sea level to 8,500 feet in California and Arizona
- Midwest and Eastern U.S.: Sea level to 5,000 feet
- Appalachian Mountains: Sea level to 6,600 feet
At higher elevations, breeding habitat may be limited to lower-elevation river valleys, foothills and farmsteads surrounded by woodlands and shrublands. The availability of nesting cavities, rather than elevation limits, is likely the main factor.
Range Maps
Range maps provide a visual representation of the House Wren’s breeding, wintering and year-round ranges across North America:
Breeding Range
Image: Breeding range of the House Wren in North America (Image credit: Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
Winter Range
Image: Winter range of the House Wren in North America (Image credit: Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
Year-Round Range
Image: Year-round range of the House Wren in North America (Image credit: Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
Population and Conservation Status
The House Wren has an extremely large global population estimated at 82 million birds. Populations appear stable throughout the range, with increasing trends noted in some areas including the western U.S. Due to its large population and adaptability to human landscapes, the House Wren is classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.
Population Estimates
Region | Population Estimate |
---|---|
Global | 82 million |
United States and Canada | 39 million |
Mexico | 17.5 million |
Central America | 25.5 million |
Source: Partners in Flight Landbird Conservation Plan (Rich et al. 2004)
Conservation Status
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern
- US/Canada: Not listed
The House Wren is considered secure and thriving across its range. Human modifications to the landscape, including forest clearing, agriculture and suburbanization, have likely benefited House Wren populations by increasing habitat. Providing nest boxes and reducing pesticide use can support populations on a local level.
Summary
In summary, the House Wren is a small songbird with an extensive range across North America. Its breeding range spans southern Canada and much of the continental United States, Mexico and Central America. House Wrens migrate in winter to the southern U.S., Mexico, Central America and northern South America. They occupy a variety of open and semi-open habitats including forests, parks, farmyards and suburban areas. With a global population estimate of 82 million, the House Wren is secure and adaptable to human landscapes. Understanding its range and habitat needs is key for continued conservation of this species.