News from the Friends of Reinstein

Watch House Wrens Build Their Nest

House wrens have short wings, a curved beak, and a long tail that is often raised. They also have faint barring on their wings. They have a constant bubbling call, 9 to 11 times per minute during the breeding season. This bird prefers open forests and forest edges, and is also common in backyards. House wrens are cavity nesters, nesting in old woodpecker holes or bird houses. Males build several nests to entice a mate. In Western New York they begin building their nests in the middle of May and lay eggs in early June. Their nest is a built-up pile of sticks with a cup lined with feathers, grasses, and spider egg sacks. Their eggs are just over a half inch long and are usually pinkish white with reddish brown blotches. The female will incubate the eggs for 12-15 days. Both parents feed the nestlings. Baby house wrens aren’t picky eaters. Their parents bring them spiders, harvestmen, caterpillars, centipedes, moths, worms, potato bugs, crane flies, and more. Not only do they feed the huge appetites of these young birds, but they also remove their waste. The baby house wrens are very vocal once the parent enters the cavity with food. Fledglings will leave the nest between 12-18 days after hatching. House wrens are noisy little birds with a huge appetite for insects. A birdhouse and brush pile are all you need to attract this cavity nester.