Marsh Wrens are
often difficult to spot in their preferred wetland habitats, as they tend to
forage very low in the wetland vegetation. Their bubbly song can often be
heard in these habitats, however. They build globe-shaped nests attached
to wetland vegetation, and are known for building 20 or more "dummy
nests" that aren't used for breeding but may be used as night-time roosts
during other seasons.
Habitat: During
the summer breeding season, they can be found in a variety of fresh- and
brackish-water marshes, usually where dense stands of wetland vegetation
(cattails, etc.) are present in shallow water or along the water's edges.
Uses similar habitat during the winter, but will also use salt marshes.
Diet: Primarily
feeds on insects, both terrestrial and aquatic. Will also eat spiders and
snails.
Behavior: Forages in dense low vegetation, hunting for insects both on the vegetation and
on the ground. They will often take items from the water's surface, and
will also occasionally fly from a perch to take flying insects from mid-air.
Nesting: June and July
Migration: Summers throughout
much of the northern United States and Canada. Winters throughout the
southwestern quarter of the United States, along the Pacific Coast, and in the
deep southeastern U.S. Some populations along the Pacific Coast and in the
western U.S. are permanent residents.
Status: Numbers are probably much lower than
historical levels due to the vast loss of wetlands throughout its normal
range, but they currently appear to have stable populations.
2)
Cornell University's "All About Birds - Marsh Wren"
3)
eNature.com:
Marsh Wren
Photo Information: July 26th, 2006 - Minnehaha
County - Terry Sohl
Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or
text links below for additional, higher-resolution Marsh Wren photos.
