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Songbirds
Carolina Wren
Thryothorus ludovicianus
The Carolina wren is a species of wren common in the eastern United States, the extreme south of Ontario, Canada, the northeast and southeast of Mexico, and into northern Central America. Severe winters restrict the northern limits of their range, while favorable weather conditions lead to a northward extension of their breeding range.
Rich brown wren with a bold white eyebrow and a cocked tail; very loud song for its size.
- Scientific name
- Thryothorus ludovicianus
- Group
- Songbirds
- Main color
- Brown
- Conservation (IUCN)
- Least concern
Size and shape
At 12.5 to 14 cm (4.9 to 5.5 in) long, with a 29 cm (11 in) wingspan and a weight of about 18 to 23 g (0.63 to 0.81 oz), the Carolina wren is a fairly large wren; the second largest in the United States species after the cactus wren.
Diet
Their diet consists of invertebrates, such as beetles, true bugs, grasshoppers, katydids, spiders, ants, bees, and wasps.
Range and habitat
These birds are largely resident, and will only disperse beyond their range after mild winters.
Lifespan
A male captured in Arkansas lived to be at least 6 years and 1 month old, and in Alabama, the oldest female and male captured were six and ten years old, respectively.
Voice
Carolina wrens sing year round and at any point during the daytime, except during the most harsh weather conditions.
More photos
Carolina Wren FAQ
How big is the Carolina Wren?
At 12.5 to 14 cm (4.9 to 5.5 in) long, with a 29 cm (11 in) wingspan and a weight of about 18 to 23 g (0.63 to 0.81 oz), the Carolina wren is a fairly large wren; the second largest in the United States species after the cactus wren.
What does the Carolina Wren eat?
Their diet consists of invertebrates, such as beetles, true bugs, grasshoppers, katydids, spiders, ants, bees, and wasps.
How long does the Carolina Wren live?
A male captured in Arkansas lived to be at least 6 years and 1 month old, and in Alabama, the oldest female and male captured were six and ten years old, respectively.
How do I identify a Carolina Wren?
Rich brown wren with a bold white eyebrow and a cocked tail; very loud song for its size.
Where does the Carolina Wren live?
These birds are largely resident, and will only disperse beyond their range after mild winters.
Is the Carolina Wren endangered?
No. The IUCN Red List rates the Carolina Wren as least concern (status read from Wikidata).
Facts on this page are summarized from the Wikipedia article on the Carolina Wren (read October 27, 2026) and conservation status from Wikidata. Quick ID notes are Birdstagram's own summary.