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House Wren Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    Small and compact, with a flat head and fairly long, curved beak. Short-winged, often keeping its longish tail either cocked above the line of the body or slightly drooped.

    Relative Size

    Smaller than a Carolina Wren; chickadee-sized.

    Relative Sizesparrow or smallersparrow-sized or smaller

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 4.3-5.1 in (11-13 cm)
      • Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (10-12 g)
      • Wingspan: 5.9 in (15 cm)

Regional Differences

A "brown-throated" subspecies of the House Wren occurs in mountains of extreme southeastern Arizona. It has a distinct buffy eyebrow and cinnamon-buff throat and chest. House Wrens occur all the way through the Americas to southern Argentina. Individuals in the Caribbean and South America tend to be warmer colored and have somewhat different voices.