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Home > Birds and wildlife > Bird guide > Birds by family > Wrens

Wrens

Wren perched on lichen covered rock

One European species, with more in North America. Wrens are round-bodied, short-tailed and short-winged, with pointed bills and quite strong feet. They explore shady, overgrown places low down, on or near the ground, for small insects and spiders. They are well known for their unusually loud, vibrant songs. Males make several nests, from which the female chooses one in which to lay her eggs.

Members of this family

This list only includes birds that occur regularly within the UK.

Wren

Wrens are very active birds, especially in spring when male wrens will build several nests before the female chooses which one to use.

Wren (illustration)

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© 2008 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Charity registered in England and Wales no 207076, in Scotland no SC037654
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Last published: 12/06/2007 10:06:37
Show/hide picture credits
Wren perched on lichen covered rock - Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com, Ref: 2832050_00081_002)
Arctic tern sitting on nest in grass - Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com, Ref: 1614057_00104_002)
Male bearded tit perching on Phragmites - Steve Round
Male capercaillie displaying at lek in pine woods at the RSPB Abernethy Forest nature reserve - Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com, Ref: 9001998_00445_002)