House Wren Mating, Nesting & Brooding Habits: A Guide to One of North America’s Most Charming Songbirds
| By Gary S. Locatelli
Discover the fascinating mating, nesting, and brooding behaviors of House Wrens. Learn how these tiny backyard birds choose mates, build nests, raise chicks, and more.
I had been gifted a buoy that had a hole drilled in it so it could be used as a bird house. Last Spring I put it out for decoration in our pool area, never thinking any bird would use it for nesting. To my surprise I was wrong and a family of house wrens set up housekeeping in it and had 5 young ones. When I saw what was going on I set up a stand alone Birdfy camera near it and was able to watch these hard working little birds and the fledging of the young ones.
So this year I got a Birdfy Duo Nest, placed it in the same spot and was lucky to get another House Wren family to take up residence! This year I not only get to see the coming and goings, but what is actually going on inside the nest!
1. Meet the House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)
The House Wren is one of the most widespread and familiar songbirds in North America. Known for their bubbly, energetic songs and small, brown bodies, House Wrens are often seen flitting around backyards, gardens, and wooded areas. Despite their size, these little birds display surprisingly complex and sometimes even aggressive behaviors—especially when it comes to mating and nesting.
2. House Wren Mating Behavior
When Do House Wrens Mate?
Mating season for House Wrens typically begins in late spring, usually from April to July, depending on the region. Wrens are seasonally monogamous, meaning they typically pair up for one breeding season at a time.
How Do House Wrens Attract Mates?
Male House Wrens arrive at breeding grounds first and begin staking out multiple nest sites—often in cavities, nest boxes, or hollow trees. To attract a female, the male fills each potential site with twigs and sings persistently nearby. His vocalizations are crucial, as females choose mates based partly on the quality and location of these nesting sites.
3. Nesting Habits of House Wrens
Where Do House Wrens Build Nests?
House Wrens are cavity-nesting birds. They prefer small, enclosed spaces, such as:
- Natural tree cavities
- Old woodpecker holes
- Man-made birdhouses or nest boxes
- Gaps in buildings or fence posts
Male wrens will often claim and partially fill several sites before the female chooses her favorite. Once she picks the nest, she lines it with softer materials like feathers, grass, and hair.
Nest Building Facts
- Material used: Twigs (base), plus soft linings
- Location height: Typically 3–10 feet off the ground
- Nest time frame: 1–2 weeks from start to completion
Do Wrens Compete for Nest Sites?
Yes—House Wrens are territorial and aggressive nesters. They have been known to pierce eggs or remove nesting materials from the cavities of other birds, including chickadees, bluebirds, and tree swallows. This behavior helps ensure their own reproductive success.
4. Brooding and Raising Chicks
How Many Eggs Do House Wrens Lay?
Once the nest is ready, the female lays 5 to 8 small, white eggs with reddish-brown speckles. She does all the incubating, which lasts about 12 to 15 days.
What Happens During Brooding?
- Incubation: Done solely by the female
- Male role: Stays nearby, sings, and defends the territory
- Hatchlings: Altricial (born blind and featherless)
Raising the Young
After hatching, both parents begin feeding the chicks a steady diet of insects and spiders. The chicks grow rapidly and fledge (leave the nest) after 15 to 18 days. Occasionally, House Wrens may raise two broods in a single breeding season, especially in warmer climates.
5. Attracting House Wrens to Your Yard
Interested in observing House Wrens up close? Here’s how to make your backyard more inviting:
- Install a nest box with a small entrance hole (about 1 inch diameter)
- Place the box in a semi-shaded area, 5–10 feet above the ground
- Avoid placing nest boxes near others to reduce competition
- Don’t use pesticides—wrens love natural insects!
6. Final Thoughts
The mating, nesting, and brooding habits of House Wrens offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of one of America’s most vocal and industrious backyard birds. From their territorial nesting behavior to their devoted care of chicks, House Wrens are a joy to observe and a valuable part of your local ecosystem.
Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or a casual nature lover, keeping an eye (and ear) out for these charismatic birds can bring added life and song to your yard all season long.
