Wren Bird House

About Wrens

There are almost 80 species of Wrens globally, all in the Troglodytidae family, but only some of them are regular backyard visitors. In North America, the House Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Carolina Wren, and Cactus Wren are regular guests in bird-friendly gardens in their respective ranges. Likewise, the Winter Wren is a typical backyard visitor in Europe and Asia.

These birds are welcome everywhere because of their significant dependence on insects, inquisitive nature, and bold songs.

Wrens are nearly entirely brown, with lighter shades and dashes of cream and brown. If you witness one in your yard, note their unique movement; They are experts at hopping and dashing along the area.

These species usually prefer slightly dense cover, and they enjoy staying low in bushes. You can offer some dense, shrubby areas in your yard to provide sufficient shelter and help them feel protected.

Wrens are captivating, active birds that can be a treat to observe in the garden, but it can be challenging to invite them. Birders who know how to meet Wrens’ demands and match their characters with the right shelter, food, and nesting sites can attract these cute birds to visit.

  • House Wren

About Wren Bird Houses

The Wren bird House is one of the most popular types of houses in the backyard garden.

Wrens are cavity-nesters and will readily make use of artificial Wren bird houses. Anything is suitable for wren to nest, but we need to provide a properly built birdhouse to give them the best chance at nesting success.

Maximum birds are attracted to natural-looking bird houses. If you plan on buying or building one, verify that the wood applied in making the nest box is naturally decay-resistant wood such as redwood, cedar, or exterior plywood.

Even the most excellent house won’t encourage Wrens if it is set in the worst place. You can place your nest box 4-10 feet above the ground, ideally on a wall, pole, or post. However, some wrens don’t mind swaying or hanging houses.

Both partners may destroy the nestlings or eggs of nearby cavity nesters. So, consider placing nest boxes made for other birds at least 100 meters away from Wren boxes and in a more wide environment that is less attractive to Wrens.

Wrens can be cheerful backyard residents, and many bird lovers enjoy watching both fledglings and adults explore their surroundings. By offering the most reliable Wren bird houses, any birder can encourage Wrens and their families to become regular visitors.

Size of Wren Bird Houses

Offering a house with the perfect dimensions to accommodate these little birds will keep them protected and reduce the risks they face from harmful nesting sites, invasive birds, or predators.

Entrance Hole

The suitable entrance hole size allows Wrens to enter but will help other birds, including European Starlings and House Sparrows, from taking advantage of the box and dismissing the Wrens.

However, a somewhat larger entrance hole can be beneficial for the birds to build their nests actively. Ideally, the access hole should vary from 1 1/8 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

Entrance Height

Wrens are busy climbing birds and can gladly accept taller houses, but the perfect height of the entrance should be3-6 inches over the ground.

Interior Floor Space

A square interior floor containing four inches per side is the most suitable spacing for all kinds of Wrens. These species can have large broods, usually from 3-8 or more eggs at once.

The spacious floor can support multiple hatchlings without smothering or overcrowding them.

Total House Height

The overall height of a nest box should be between 6 to 8 inches. It gives enough space for the birds’ security and comfort while brooding, but more offensive birds or other predators can attack the house without being large.

Many wooden bird houses are diamond-shaped with extensive sides that allow junior birds more space to develop and provide enough nesting materials. Still, wrens may stay in houses of any pattern if the entire dimensions are proper.

Wren Bird House Management

If maintained well, The Wren houses will retain their structure and beauty for years to come without the need for staining or waterproofing.

However, you will need to clean and inspect the house minimum of once a year. The proper time for washing a nestbox is during the autumn months after the infants have left the nest.

Cleaning the House

For your security, wear gloves & a face mask when cleaning the house.

● Move house from the tree to a comfortable location.

● Remove all nesting materials, debris, or feathers.

● Use a hose to clean the interior of the bird house and wipe out any leftover stuff with a towel. You can use a stiff brush to loosen any tough material.

● Wash with soapy liquid and clean completely.

● Leave the base unattached and let it dry in good sunshine.


If you discover the right location to fix your bird house and understand the essential steps to clean it out every year, you should be rewarded with plenty of Wrens every season.

Building or Buying Wren Bird Houses

If you are thinking of buying or building one, check out these perfect Wren house plans.

Diamond Shaped Bird House Plans

Wrens will enjoy this picturesque, diamond-shaped bird house. The simple plan is good to follow, needs some tools, and features pictures and measures. You can pick a wood that suits your decor for more design integrity, and the birds will welcome your style!

Wren Bird House with Side Door

This bird house plan by EmpressOfDirt is another great design to look for. The most interesting thing is that it only needs one piece of wood!

The house will support your Wren to raise their infants and keep predators out.

Two Hanging Wooden Bird House Plans

Two Wren house plans by TheBirdersReport, a classic design that highlights two entrance options. The unique slotted access makes it comfortable for Wrens to bring nesting pieces like long twigs inside.

Wren Nest Box Plan

You will need softwood when constructing this wooden bird house. The plan from 70birds.com features a hinged cover for comfortable cleaning once vacated in the autumn. You can also build these bird house kits for kids to spend an excellent time with them.

Spacious Wooden Bird House Plan

These tall bird house kits are like large villas to a little Wren. The bird house plan from freewoodpuzzles.com is an easy-to-follow design to building a simple but effective piece for your backyard.

Wren Nests in Bird Houses

Wrens are adaptable species and may nest wherever they wish, including mailboxes, garden pots, garden boots, drainpipes, or other unusual options.

The Wren’s nest has a lovely and delicate dome structure consisting of plant material, moss, leaves, lichen, and feathers.

A male bird may make up to 12 nests for its mates, but only one will act as a shelter for the broods. Once the female wren has chosen her desired spot, she will attach a soft lining to cush her eggs.

After building the nest, the female bird will lay one egg per day till a clutch of 5 to 6 eggs end.

After the eggs hatch, both parents will serve the chicks in the nest. The female will rest with the young throughout this time, and the male will sleep in another crevice.

When time is near for the young to leave the nest, you will notice the adult male wandering around more often. Providing fewer feedings will push the young one to go away.

Final Words

You can set goals to bird-watch for these Wrens after you have placed your bird house in your backyard and record your results.

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