Small birds in the wren family. These wrens are around 11 or 12 cm long. They are typically streaked brown above and somewhat paler below, with short rounded wings, strong legs and a cocked tail. The flight is direct and buzzing.
Troglodytes wrens are mostly found in somewhat cooler habitats than most of their relatives. Two species are found in the temperate latitudes of North America: The House Wren occurs widely in both tropical and temperate lowlands. The hardy Winter Wren has a wide distribution in North America, Europe and Asia.
These wrens are elusive as they hunt for small insects and spider, but they readily reveal their positions through their loud songs.
These are territorial birds, but the tiny Winter Wren will roost communally in a cavity in cold weather to help conserve heat.
