The house wren is a small songbird found throughout much of North America. Its scientific name is Troglodytes aedon. House wrens are migratory birds that breed in northern areas of the United States and Canada during the summer months and migrate south for the winter.
Michigan provides suitable breeding habitat for house wrens in the summer. House wrens build nests in natural tree cavities but also readily use nest boxes put up by humans. They prefer areas with brushy vegetation. House wrens eat insects and spiders which they can find in abundance in Michigan during the summer.
So in short, the answer is yes, house wrens can be found in Michigan, primarily during the spring and summer months when they migrate there to breed and raise their young. The sections below go into more detail on the house wren biology, range, habitat, and sightings specifically in Michigan.
House Wren Biology and Identification
House wrens are small, busy brown birds. Adults have brown upperparts that are barred with black, and gray underparts. The wings and tail are barred with darker brown. House wrens have an off-white eyebrow stripe. Males and females look alike. House wrens reach 4.5-5.5 inches in length and weigh about 10-12 grams.
House wrens are energetic and almost always on the move. They have loud and complex songs that help attract mates in spring and summer. House wrens can produce over 400 song types! They also use calls to communicate which include rattles, chips, and chucks.
House wrens mainly eat insects and spiders which they glean from vegetation as well as capture on the ground and in mid-air. They sometimes will eat snails or berries as well. House wrens forage actively, using their thin pointed bill to probe into crevices and holes searching for small invertebrate prey.
Nesting and Reproduction
House wrens build nests in enclosed cavities which offer protection from predators and the elements. This includes natural holes in trees and old woodpecker holes. House wrens will also readily use artificial nest boxes. The female builds the nest out of twigs, grass, bark strips, feathers, and other materials. She creates a cup-shaped structure lined with fine grass and feathers.
Female house wrens lay about 5-7 eggs which are pale pink with reddish-brown speckling. The female incubates the eggs for 12-16 days. Both parents feed the hatchlings which leave the nest in about 2 weeks, becoming independent 3-4 weeks after hatching. House wrens may raise 2-3 broods per breeding season.
House Wren Range and Habitat
House wrens breed across North America from Canada south to Mexico. Their breeding range spans the United States. In winter, most house wrens migrate to the southern U.S, Mexico, and Central America but some may remain in the southwestern U.S.
During breeding season, house wrens inhabit open woodlands, forest edges, second-growth forests, parks, gardens, and other semi-open areas with dense understory vegetation. They are found in both rural and suburban habitats. House wrens occur alongside streams and wetlands but are not restricted to riparian zones.
They need cavities for nesting which are found naturally in dead trees and stumps or provided by old woodpecker holes. House wrens readily use artificial nest boxes which makes them common in suburban neighborhoods. They prefer nesting sites surrounded by dense shrubs and vine tangles which provide cover.
Ideal House Wren Habitat in Michigan
Michigan provides excellent breeding habitat for house wrens in the spring and summer months. House wrens are found statewide during breeding season. Their preferred habitat includes open deciduous or mixed forests, forest edges and clearings, scattered trees in residential areas, parks, orchards, cemeteries, and gardens.
Areas with a dense understory of shrubs and vines are especially attractive to house wrens in Michigan. Overgrown fencerows, bushes surrounding fields, and brushy woodland undergrowth all provide prime habitat. House wrens also nest readily in the wooded suburbs of Michigan’s cities.
Nest cavities are essential and Michigan provides these in the form of natural tree holes, crevices in dead snags, and old woodpecker holes. House wrens will also happily use nest boxes. By providing nest boxes with proper dimensions and placement, Michigan homeowners can attract breeding wrens.
House Wren Sightings in Michigan
According to records from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, house wrens have been observed in all 83 counties of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and all 15 counties of the Upper Peninsula. Below are details on house wren sightings specifically in Michigan:
Seasonal Patterns
– Spring migration: Most house wrens arrive in Michigan in May though some may arrive in late April. Spring migration peaks from mid-May to early June.
– Breeding season: House wrens breed in Michigan from May through August. Most nesting activity occurs June-July.
– Fall migration: House wrens leave Michigan in September and October. Some stragglers may linger into early November.
Geographic Distribution
– House wrens occur statewide but are most abundant in the southern Lower Peninsula.
– They are common summer residents in the central and southcentral regions.
– House wrens breed in lower densities in the northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula.
Notable Sightings
– There are documented nesting records for House Wrens in many Michigan counties, including Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Kent, Ingham, Kalamazoo, and Marquette.
– Breeding evidence like occupied nests, adults carrying food or nesting material, fledglings, and juveniles have been reported to eBird in locations across Michigan including Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and the Upper Peninsula.
– High daily counts come from sites like Point Pelee National Park where 49 House Wrens were tallied on May 15, 2016 during spring migration.
Population in Michigan
– The North American Breeding Bird Survey estimates Michigan’s population at 320,000 House Wrens.
– Trend data from 1966-2019 shows the species increased significantly in Michigan at a rate of 1.41% per year.
– The house wren is listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Michigan’s State Wildlife Action Plan, indicating a concerning population decline.
Conclusion
In conclusion, house wrens are regular summer residents that breed across Michigan. They occur statewide but are more common in central and southern counties. Suitable habitat exists throughout Michigan to support breeding populations. House wrens favor brushy areas near open woodlands and readily use nest boxes. Careful observation in summer will reveal the busy movements of house wrens in backyards, parks, and woodland edges across Michigan. Maintaining brushy undergrowth and providing nest boxes helps support house wren populations in the state.
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | Species of Greatest Conservation Need |
| Breeding season | May to August |
| Nesting habits | Cavities in trees, woodpecker holes, nest boxes |
| Preferred habitat | Open woodlands, shrubby areas, parks, suburban yards |
| Diet | Insects, spiders |
| Season | Months | Sighting Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Migration | April to June | Arrive in Michigan in May, peak in mid-May to early June |
| Breeding | May to August | Most nesting activity occurs June to July |
| Fall Migration | September to November | Most leave Michigan September to October |
Related Questions
What do house wrens eat?
House wrens are insectivores, feeding almost exclusively on insects and spiders. They glean insects from leaves, bark, and branches. They also capture insects like flies in mid-air. Common prey includes beetles, caterpillars, moths, crickets, grasshoppers, ants, bees, and spiders. House wrens occasionally eat snails or fruit when insects are scarce. They forage actively, using their thin pointed bill to probe into crevices.
How can I attract house wrens?
You can make your yard attractive to nesting house wrens by providing suitable habitat and nesting sites. House wrens favor areas with dense shrubbery and brush so maintain thickets and undergrowth. Prune back overgrown vegetation to create small clearings. Offer nest boxes specifically designed for wrens with 1-1.5 inch diameter holes mounted 5-10 feet high. Place nest boxes near vegetative cover.
Where do house wrens spend the winter?
Most house wrens that breed in Michigan migrate south to spend the winter in the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America. Their winter range centers around Mexico south to Panama. Some house wrens may remain year-round in the southwestern United States. Very few house wrens stay in Michigan over winter.
What does the song of a house wren sound like?
The song of the house wren is complex, loud, and melodious. It consists of warbling notes, raspy chatter, trills, and gurgles. The male has a large repertoire of song variants, with some individuals capable of producing over 400 song types! Songs can be repeated or combined in long varied sequences. Both males and females sing, most often while perched high on a treetop or other elevated spot.
How many broods do house wrens have per year?
House wrens often raise 2-3 broods per breeding season. The female builds a new nest for each brood. She lays about 5-7 eggs and incubates them for 12-16 days. The nestlings leave the nest at 14-18 days old. House wrens have helpers at the nest, meaning older siblings or even unrelated wrens may assist with feeding nestlings. This allows them to produce multiple broods in quick succession.
Conclusion
In summary, the house wren is a common breeding bird found across Michigan from May through August. Though small, house wrens make their presence known with their loud, complex songs. They prefer to nest in cavities in brushy areas near woodland edges. House wrens consume insects from trees and shrubs and help control pest populations. Homeowners can attract breeding wrens by providing suitable dense vegetation and properly designed nest boxes. With their cheerful songs and energetic movements, house wrens are an endearing sight in Michigan backyards each summer.
