Wonderful World of Wrens: JUN 2023
Wonderful World of Wrens:
Sedge Wren
Cistothorus stellaris
(Passeriformes / Troglodytidae)
Sedge Wren is one of the five species of Wren that can be found in Southern Ontario. This may be the most difficult one to spot compared to others due to the very unique habitat they prefer to choose as their breeding grounds.
It was only this year (in May) I was able to spot a Sedge Wren for the first time and strangely enough it was just 10 minutes away from where I live in Vaughan, Ontario. But since then I have spotted this elusive bird thrice more and was able to take some nice pictures of it in its proper habitat.
Most recently, I spotted this beautiful wren with full of ebullience, while visiting the Carden Alvar Provincial Park. This protected area is located in the Kawartha Lakes in Central Ontario, Canada. Alvars are globally rare ecosystems found exclusively in Northern Europe and the Great Lakes region of North America. The alvars are home to a range of bird species that are quite rare and sensitive. This type of habitat is fast diminishing due to urbanization and agriculture and survival of many of the species living in these areas will be under threat in near future unless adequate steps are taken to continue and enhance the protection of these unique habitats by the authorities.
The tiny Sedge Wren is so well camouflaged and it can easily blend in to the marsh vegetation. These are short-billed, russet-brown birds that live in wet fields and shallow marshes. I have read that they tend to avoid the deeper, reedier areas that are preferred by their close relative; the Marsh Wren.
Their reputation as shy, furtive birds reflects this dense habitat, where they spend much of their time out of sight, foraging for insects and spiders on or near the ground. When looking for this wren “birding by ear” comes very handy. That is exactly how I was able to spot this tiny bird among the sedge grass vegetation of the Alvars.
The song of Sedge Wren is simple compared to many other wrens but quite loud and unique: a few dry chips followed by a trill.
According to what I have found, the male Sedge Wrens weave multiple nests shaped like hollow balls. The female chooses one of these options, lines it with softer material, and lays her eggs in it.
I have come to note that they are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. If it’s the right habitat their distinct call / song will enable you to find it - listen for the distinctive trilling song and look for individuals among marsh plants, in bushes, or on low fence lines.
The Sedge Wren is supposed to be one of the most nomadic territorial birds in North America. In a given area, it may be abundant in one year and completely absent the next. So, this year maybe your chance to go out and see one as they may not be so abundant every year.
