This moderately small wren maintains the frenetic energy that is so obviously typical of this family of birds. It is a summer inhabitant in many parts of Oregon, generally in open woodlands, thickets, and occasionally in residential gardens. The House wren occurs over the widest latitudinal range of any New World passerine.

The House wren nests in a wide variety of native and human-influenced habitats. Nest sites are primarily located within preformed cavities in snags.

It is a very uncommon to common transient and summer resident in semi-open woodland habitats throughout the state. In southwest Oregon, it is most common in oak-chaparral and mixed woodlands of valley foothills and mountains. It is generally uncommon on the west slopes of the Coast Range, except in clearcuts containing snags, where it can be very common.

Hear the song of the House wren

Photo by Kathy Munsel, ODFW