Wren of the UK and Ireland The Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) is one of the smallest birds in the UK and Ireland, whose appearance is unmistakeable. These birds are also known as the Winter Wren, European Wren and Eurasian Wren. The plumage is brown with grey underparts with faint dark barring. The bill is fine and the tail tilted-up. Males and females are similar in appearance. Wrens are diminutive birds, measuring 4 inches (or 10.6 centimetres) long. The song of the Wren is very loud for a small bird which can be heard even in winter. Wrens live in all types of habitat that includes woods, farmland, parks, mountains and gardens. The diet includes insects of all kinds. They have a mouse-like way of creeping amongst the branches of a bush. Wrens are mostly sedentary birds in the UK and Ireland and guard their territories all year round. Wintering Wrens from Europe join resident birds in the autumn, flying as far as 2500 kilo meters ( or 1553 miles). Wrens in the UK will migrate from 50 to 250 kilo meters ( or 31 to 155 miles). The nest is a beautifully constructed dome structure made of moss, leaves, grass and feathers with a round hole at the side. They are situated in walls, bushes and areas of dense vegetation. Five to twelve eggs are laid between April and June which are white and faintly speckled with red-brown. Eggs hatch after 13 to 18 days and the young fledge after 15 to 20 days. Both parents look after the chicks. The male will build the nest and the female will line it. The global population is not considered Vulnerable by conservationist group due to the wide range of these birds (Eurasia, North America etc). Europe accounts for 5% to 24% of the global range. The European population is Secure with a trend described as increasing (Birdlife International). The Wren is classified as of Least Concern by IUCN. There was a slight decline of 5% in the UK population between 1995 and 2011 (RSPB) where they are a green listed species of bird. The Wren is green listed in Ireland. Wrens are regarded as one of the commonest birds in the UK and Ireland Wrens are susceptible to the colder weather during the winter months, as in 2012 to 2013 (Guardian).
Posted on: Thu, 25 Dec 2014 09:18:15 +0000
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