Barely larger than a ping-pong ball, wrens are instantly recognisable by their warm brown plumage, delicately barred wings and tail, and their habit of holding that short tail cocked upright. Look closely and you’ll spot a fine, pale eyebrow stripe and a slim, slightly curved beak, perfectly designed for probing into crevices for insects.
Despite their modest appearance, wrens have one of the loudest songs relative to body size of any bird in the UK — a surprisingly powerful burst of sound that can be heard on crisp winter mornings. Their sudden bursts of song are thought to help maintain territories and may also play a role in strengthening pair bonds ahead of the breeding season.
Wrens are found across a wide range of habitats. They favour places with plenty of cover, including hedgerows, woodland undergrowth, scrub, gardens, reedbeds and even coastal habitats. In winter, dense vegetation becomes especially important, offering protection from cold winds and predators. You might also spot wrens around log piles, compost heaps or garden sheds, where insects and spiders shelter from the frost.
Winter is a challenging time for wrens, and have developed remarkable survival strategies. On the coldest nights, they may roost communally, huddling together in old nests or sheltered spaces to conserve warmth. Historical records describe dozens of wrens squeezing into a single nesting box — an extraordinary sight for such a fiercely territorial bird during the breeding season. Those nests are distinctive structures: domed and carefully woven from moss, twigs and leaves, with a small side entrance that helps retain heat.
It's diet in winter consists mainly of small invertebrates, including spiders, beetles and larvae. Wrens are relentless foragers, constantly flicking through leaf litter, moss and bark to find food. Their fast metabolism means they must eat almost constantly during daylight hours, making short winter days especially demanding.
Despite these challenges, wrens remain one of our most resilient birds, often reappearing as soon as conditions improve.