House Wren look-alikes
Troglodytes aedon
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the House Wren. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Winter Wren
Troglodytes hiemalis
Key differences
Winter Wrens are smaller, darker, and have a much shorter tail that is often held straight up. They have a more finely barred pattern on their flanks and a more distinct pale supercilium. Their song is also more intricate and sustained, without the bubbling quality of the House Wren.
Carolina Wren
Thryothorus ludovicianus
Key differences
Carolina Wrens are larger, richer rufous-brown, and have a very prominent white supercilium. Their song is a loud, clear, repetitive 'teakettle-teakettle-teakettle' or 'cheer-cheer-cheer' that is distinctly different from the House Wren's bubbling song.
Bewick's Wren
Thryomanes bewickii
Key differences
Bewick's Wrens are similar in size but have a longer tail with white outer tail feathers (visible in flight or when fanned), and a more prominent white supercilium. Their song is a series of buzzy notes and trills, often ending with a distinctive 'bzzzt' sound, different from the House Wren's.
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