Latin name

Troglodytes troglodytes

Family

Wrens (Troglodytidae)

Overview

The wren is a tiny brown bird, although it is heavier, less slim, than the even smaller goldcrest. It is dumpy, almost rounded, with a fine bill, quite long legs and toes, very short round wings and a short, narrow tail which is sometimes cocked up vertically. For such a small bird it has a remarkably loud voice. It is the commonest UK breeding bird, although it suffers declines during prolonged, severely cold winters.

Where to see them

Found across the UK in a wide range of habitats - woodland, farmland, heathland, moorland and islands. Most are found in deciduous woodland but it is least abundant in Scotland and northern England, with the smallest numbers found in upland areas. A regular visitor to most gardens.

When to see them

All year round.

What they eat

Insects and spiders