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Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: TROGLODYTIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Marsh Wren Photo

© Marie Read

A common and noisy inhabitant of cattail marshes, the Marsh Wren sings all day and throughout the night.

Inside Birding
For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

Appearance

Wrens
Wrens
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Small brown bird with thin bill.
  • Tail often held upright.
  • Dark cap.
  • Whitish eyeline.
  • Bold black-and-white streaks on back.
  • Buffy flanks, whitish chest.

Immature Description

Juvenile similar to adult, but lacks bold streaking on back and has only an indistinct eyestripe.

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Marsh Wren Range Map
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Similar Species

  • Sedge Wren has similar streaks on back, but is paler, has a paler, streaked crown, and has a less distinct eyestripe.