Carolina Wren

Thryothorus ludovicianus 
Wren family (Troglodytidae)

Larger than the House Wren, 5” long. Brown back, rusty brown below, cinnamon breast and belly, white throat, prominent white eyebrow. Short tail is usually cocked upwards.

Habitat:
Understory of deciduous forests.

Nesting:
Nests in natural tree cavities, woodpecker holes, building crevices, or artificial nest boxes. Eggs are creamy or pinkish-white with brown marks. Clutch size – 4 to 5 eggs.

Voice:

Song is a loud repeated 3-syllable series of clear notes, “tea-kettle, tea-kettle, tea-kettle.”  Sometimes sings a 2-syllable series of notes, “kettle, kettle, kettle.”  Song resembles 3-syllable notes of the Common Yellowthroat, but notes of the Carolina Wren are louder and richer.  Call is a raspy buzz, like running fingers across a comb.

Name Origin:

Thryothorus:  thryon, Greek for “a reed”, thouros, Greek for “rushing”;
ludovicianus, Modern Latin for “of Louisiana”, the site where the original specimen was collected.

In the Nature Park:
Year-round resident. Occasionally uses artificial nest boxes, but less often than the House Wren.

Photos: