Wing Island Bird Banding Station: Photo Gallery

Bobbing its head and creeping mouselike through the underbrush, the Winter Wren is similar to its cousin, the House Wren, except for its short, stubby tail and reddish-brown plumage. Winter Wrens favor northern forests for breeding in summer. Some stay in their summer territory year round, but others travel south in winter residing in most of the United States. The female builds a spherical nest with a side opening that is made of twigs, grasses, moss, fur, hair, and plant down. The nest is built in tree roots or crevices close to the ground.