Marsh Wren
Marsh Wren Cistothorus palustris There are two groups of Marsh Wrens in North America and 14 subspecies. They are divided into Eastern Marsh Wren and Western Marsh Wrens. There are differences in color, pattern, size and molt.
The Eastern Marsh Wren breeds from the Atlantic coast to Nebraska. In the western United States the Wren lives there all year round. Some Marsh Wrens breed and live along coasts of the southern Atlantic and Gulf Coast States all year.
Marsh Wrens prefer a wetland habitat. Cattails and bulrush are the vegetation that they choose. Whether salt, brackish, fresh water marshes or wintering grounds the breeding grounds are similar. Habitat destruction is the greatest threat to the Marsh Wren's life. Ruining marshes and wetlands as breeding or wintering grounds finds a decline in the wren population. The reverse occurs if man restores wetland habitat. An example of Marsh Wrens population increase occurred in marshes created by dam construction along the Colorado River.
The Marsh Wren winters in New Mexico, Arizona and Texas and into Mexico. Some of the wrens winter in Florida. The Eastern Marsh Wrens migrate south to the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts while Western birds migrate to Mexico and Texas. In the southern states like Missouri the male Marsh wrens arrive in May, while in the northern states like New York males begin to arrive in late April. Departure for migration to the wintering grounds begins in August and continues through October. It depends upon the weather conditions. Not all Marsh Wrens migrate. Migration depends upon age, sex and winter conditions. Older male warblers prefer to stay in one area while younger males move more often.
The Marsh Wren is a small wren, ranging from 4 inches and 5 1/2 inches in total length and weighing between 1/2 ounce to 3/4 ounce. Usually the male Marsh Wren is larger than females. Both the males and females possess similar plumage. This class of wrens has a dark cap, a white stripe over the eye brow, mahogany colored on its upper back with faded black bands. The wrens are tanish in color on its sides and breast with a whitish belly. There is dark striping on its tail. Marsh Wren's eyes, feet, legs, and bill are brown. The feathers of the immature Marsh Wren are similar to the adults. The Juveniles have less dark stripes on its back. The stripe above the eye is dull and fewer bars on their wings.
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