Songs
Only the male Bewick’s Wren sings, to defend territory and attract mates. Songs vary from one geographical area to another, and a single male may possess a repertoire of 9 to 22 distinct songs. Typically, these begin with two or more high, quick introductory notes, drop into a lower, burry phrase, and end on a high trill. Variations can include additional warbles and buzzy notes. Songs last about 2 seconds.
Calls
Foraging Bewick’s Wrens stay in contact with short notes that sound like plink plink or pee or—from females—sker. If a male hears another male nearby, he may stop foraging, hurrying to the territorial boundary to chase the interloper away. When agitated, both males and females scold in quick, raspy notes. Immediately before roosting, the male utters series of harsh (spzz) notes.
Backyard Tips
If you live within the Bewick’s Wren’s range, you might attract this bird to your yard by landscaping with native shrubs such as willow, mesquite, elderberry, and chaparral plants, or by keeping a brush pile in your yard.
Find This Bird
Listen and watch for Bewick’s Wrens in dry, brushy or scrubby environments in western North America. These birds don't spend a lot of time in the open, so listen for the male's loud song during summer, or for raspy calls coming from tangles of shrubs.