Wren - Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust

Key Facts

Length: 10cm
Wingspan: 15cm
Weight: 10g
Average lifespan: 2 years

The diminutive wren can be found in almost any habitat, anywhere there are insects to eat and sheltered bushes or rock crevices in which to build their domed nest out of moss and twigs. In fact, the wren is the most common breeding bird in Britain.

It is scarcer in northern England and Scotland with the smallest numbers in upland areas. Wrens are a popular and welcome visitor to gardens in town and country. There are currently 8.5 million breeding wren territories.

How to Identify

A tiny brown bird with a short, cocked tail and loud voice, the wren is unmistakeable.

Where to Find

Widespread.

How People Can Help

You can help to look after wrens and other garden birds by providing food and water for them – it doesn’t matter if you have a big garden or live in a high-rise flat, there are plenty of feeders, baths and food choices out there to suit all kinds of situations. To find out more about encouraging wildlife into your garden, visit our Wild About Gardens website: a joint initiative with the RHS, there’s plenty of facts and tips to get you started.

Did you know?

Two subspecies of wren that occur in Britain, the Fair Isle wren (Troglodytes troglodytes Fridariensis) and St Kilda wren (Troglodytes troglodytes hirtensis) are listed as Priority Species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan because both are endemic breeding birds of their respective isles in Scotland.