The House Wren will bring its joyous call to your property if you create the right bird box for it. Wrens are a delight to watch as they keep your land free from pest insects that may lie in shrubs, low bushes, wood piles and brush.

Site Selection

Position your House Wren box in an open woodland, a forest edge, or in a swampland. Because Wrens are a particularly territorial species, do not place boxes near boxes intended to attract other species of birds like Western Bluebirds.

Building Specifications

• The floor-space should be 4" x 4"
• The depth should be 6" - 8"
• The entrance should be 1 1/4" - 1/2"
• The entrance should stand 1" - 6" from the floor
• It should stand 6" - 10" from the ground
• For complete plans, visit 50birds.com for drawings

What to do when the box becomes occupied

The male will arrive to the box first in early spring. He'll protect his claimed box by letting out a call. He will then establish a nest by collecting sticks in the structure. A male may establish up to twelve different nesting sites. When the female chooses the mate she will add to the nest structure by gathering soft materials like feathers to lay eggs on. She will lay 5 - 6 eggs and incubate them for 12 - 15 days. Young will fledge in 16 - 17 days. 

House Wrens will raise 2 broods a season, but not at the same box. Clean your bird box after the young have left the nest.