H.J. Ruiz – Avian101

Seems like another of my backyard visitors decided to stay and perhaps  brave the winter weather that we are having. The species made a comeback to my backyard last Spring after several years of absence. Now I got the feeling that they might nest and stay since they liked to get their meals without too much hustle.

I’m happy if that’s the case. I’m referring of course to the Carolina Wren. Next I have some more detailed information about this bird:

The Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) is a common species of wren, resident in the eastern half of the USA, the extreme south of Ontario, Canada, and the extreme northeast of Mexico. A distinct population in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, Belize and extreme north of Guatemala.  Thryothorus. T. ludovicianus is the state bird of South Carolina; its specific name ludovicianus means “from Louisiana”.

The Carolina wren is noted for its loud song, popularly rendered as “teakettle-teakettle-teakettle”. This song is rather atypical among wrens and closely resembles that of the Kentucky warbler which shares much of its range. A given bird will typically sing several different songs. Only the male birds sing their loud song. The songs vary regionally, with birds in northern areas singing more slowly than those in southern areas.

The Carolina Wren also has a series of calls, including a rapid series of descending notes in a similar timbre to its song, functioning as an alarm call, and a very harsh and loud scolding call made to threaten intruders.

Text excerpts © Wikipedia – HJ Ruiz-Avian101 -photographs © HJ Ruiz – Avian101