During the month of October several of our winter birds will be arriving. One of the less common is the Winter Wren. This is our smallest wren and can be found across the state October through April. I have seen them most often along the Harpeth River, making their way through dense underbrush in search of food; insects and berries. Don’t expect to see this 4” bird (Carolina wrens are 5 ½”) at your feeders, although it is possible. I have only seen this bird at a suet feeder a few times and only during the most bitter and snowy weather. You are more likely to attract them with brushpiles.
The Winter Wren is described as a very small, round, dark wren and has a much stubbier tail than the other wrens. It has an indistinct buffy eyebrow and a heavily barred belly. It is a busy little bird, bobbing and flicking its wings and tends to stay near the ground. It has a beautiful, complex song, however, around hear one is more likely to hear its “yip” “yip” call.
A few good places to see a Winter Wren are the Harpeth River Greenway, Hidden Lakes Park, Gossett Tract, and Narrows of the Harpeth.