Wrens

Marsh Wren, Cistothorus palustris

Family Troglodytidae (Wrens)

Size: 5"

Season: Summer

Habitat: Marshes, reeds, stream banks

The marsh wren is a small, cryptic, rufous-brown wren with a normally cocked-up tail. The tail and wings are barred with black, and the chin and breast are white. There is a well-defined white superciliary stripe below a uniform brown crown, and the mantle shows distinct black-and-white striping. The bill is long and slightly decurved. Marsh wrens are vocal day and night with quick, repetitive cheeping. They are secretive but inquisitive and glean insects from the marsh vegetation and water surface. The adult is illustrated.