Wrens are a family, Troglodytidae, of small brown passerine birds. The family includes 96 species and is divided into 19 genera. All species are restricted to the New World except for the Eurasian wren that is widely distributed in the Old World.

Understanding the Context

Wrens are New World birds, which means they live in North and South America, except for the Eurasian Wren, which is Old World and occurs in Europe and Africa. They are members of the Troglodyidae family of birds. Wrens are incredible birds and they inhabit many different habitats. Even though they are small, wrens are incredibly bold and don’t back down to other species that are much larger than them.

Key Insights

If you encounter one, you can expect to hear loud and complex songs. Wrens are some of the most energetic and vocal birds in North America. These small, brown songbirds are known for their upright tails, lively movements, and loud, complex songs that carry through forests, marshes, and backyards. Start planning your dream kitchen today with Wren Kitchens. Book a FREE design measure appointment and visit us in one of our state-of-the-art kitchen showrooms.

Final Thoughts

Wrens belong to the Troglodytidae family, 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 North America to Eurasia spreading from Siberia to Britain and Iceland. A plain brown bird with an effervescent voice, the Northern House Wren is a common backyard bird across most of the U.S. and southern Canada. Listen for its rush-and-jumble song in summer and you’ll find this species zipping through shrubs and low tree branches, snatching at insects. Hear a chirpy birdsong outside?

It might be a wren! Here are ten common types of wrens in the Americas.