Carolina Wren: Nest and Eggs

Adult Carolina wren. Photo: Dennis Church.

Carolina wrens (Thryothorus ludovicianus) are familiar birds not because they are abundant but because they are vocal and have a loud, melodious song. They can be found anywhere there is a patch of vegetation and forage for food in people’s yards, patios, and inside sheds and garages. Coraline wrens usually nest in hanging boots, open boxes, pockets of hanging coats, and enclosures. This article is intended to aid in identifying Carolina wren nests and eggs.

Carolina wren breeding facts

Breeding PeriodMid-March through late September.
Nest typeNests built outside cavities have a dome shape and have a side entrance. Nests built inside a cavity consist of a cup of 2.3 to 2.7 inches across.
Substrate & LocationInside or outside a cavity or enclosure. Typically within 4 to 8 feet from the ground. 
Nesting ActivitiesMale may build multiple pilot nests. The female chooses the nest. Both sexes build the nest and rear the young. The female alone incubates the eggs.
Egg DescriptionWhite to creamy-white with reddish-brown dots more concentrated toward the wide side of the egg.
Egg Length and widthApproximate length 0.74 inches, width 0.58 inches..
Egg-layingIt begins when the female lays the penultimate egg. During the egg-laying period, the female lays one egg every day.
Clutch sizeTypically 4-5 eggs, rarely up to 8 eggs.
Number of broodsDouble brood. Three broods are likely in the southern part of its range.
Incubation PeriodTypically 14 days ranging between 13 to 18 days across the species range.

 

Breeding range and habitat

The Carolina wren is a year-round resident in eastern North America. It is also found in the northeastern portion of northern Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula.

Carolina wrens prefer lightly wooded areas with dense undergrowth. In residential areas, trees with shrubs, undergrowth, and ornamental plants are habitats for the Carolina wren.

Breeding range of the Carolina Wren. Source: BirdsoftheWorld.org.

Migration and social behavior

Where they occur, Carolina wrens are year-round residents. 

They become less vocal during the colder months of the northern states, but they remain in the area and are not known to undergo annual movements in response to cold weather.

Wrens form long-term pair bonds and often forage within a short distance of each other during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons. While foraging for insects, wrens move about restlessly, usually within 0 to 16 feet from the ground.

Breeding Period

Carolina wrens breed within a relatively long period that encompasses mid-March through late September. During this period, wrens generally attempt two broods per breeding season. Birds in the southern part of its range may attempt three broods.

A breeding attempt lasts approximately 57 days, counting from the day the female lays the first egg until the fledglings become independent from the parents.

The appearance of a Carolina Wren’s nest

The nest appearance depends on where birds decide to nest. Nests outside of a cavity or an enclosure have a dome shape with a side entrance. The nest’s roof, sides, and entrance hole have a messy appearance. 

Carolina wren nest, built in an empty bucket. Photo: Denise Rouse.

In nests placed inside an enclosure or cavity, the roof is usually not present, and the entrance hole becomes the nest’s entrance.

The materials used to build the nest include dry grasses, dead leaves, twigs, pieces of plastic, and strings. The cup is lined with hair, mammal fur, and even bits of plastic.

Nesting habits

Fledglings leave the natal territory after becoming independent from their parents. It is unknown how far they travel from their natal territory and when they form a pair to breed during the next breeding season.

In terms of nest-site selection, Carolina wrens are pretty flexible. Their nest does not require a cavity or enclosure, unlike other cavity-nesting birds. 

If there is a suitable cavity, they use it; if there isn’t one, they use anything that looks like one. If not, birds can nest outside of a cavity or enclosure.

Nest site selection

Carolina wren nest built in a hanging hiking boot. Photo: Nagasaki Osada.

Carolina wrens can build a nest in almost anything that resembles an enclosure or semi-enclosure. Nests are typically built in natural cavities, tree forks, broken trunks, inside vines and tangled branches, and abandoned woodpecker cavities.

Wrens do not shy away from artificial structures and have nested in hanging boots, shoe boxes, flower pots, hammocks, and even in the motor of parked vehicles.

Bird nests found in backyards, tool rooms, and sheds are likely Carolina wren nests. 

Nest building

Male wrens may build multiple nests without completing them. A breeding attempt begins when the female selects one of the nests. 

Both the male and female contribute to building the nest after it has been selected. Often, the female stays in the nest to arrange the material that the male brings. It can take a pair of birds four days to build a nest.

Females build a cup that measures 2.3 to 2.7 inches across, lined with fine fibers and mammal fur if available. Snakeskin may be used in a nest as nesting material.

 Egg appearance

The eggs are white to creamy white with reddish-brown spots on the wide side. The eggs in some clutches may have fewer reddish-brown spots and appear paler.

Close-up view of Carolina wren eggs and size compared to a Nickel.

See other eggs with similar markings:

Nest and eggs of the black-capped chickadee.

Nest and eggs of the Carolina chickadee.

Nest and eggs of the tufted titmouse.

Except for differences in pigmentation in some eggs, the pattern is similar across nests.

An egg of a Carolina wren has a length of 0.74 inches and a width of 0.58 inches.

Egg Laying

The female Carolina wren lays eggs as early as the last week of March. After the nest is complete, the egg-laying period begins. 

Every morning, the female lays one egg. 

Every nesting season, Caroline wrens have two broods. Birds in the south may have three broods.

Clutch size

Carolina wren incubating eggs. The long pale eyebrows are a good identification field mark. Photo: Downs Family Farm.

Carolina wren females typically lay clutches of 4 to 5 eggs, but nests may contain up to 8 eggs. 

Incubation of the eggs

Incubation is not initiated until the female lays the next-to-last egg. Incubation is done by the female day and night, and she only takes a break during the day for basic needs. 

The male brings food to feed the female while she sits on the eggs. Nevertheless, the female forages for food on her own when she takes a break.

Incubation period

Carolina Wren females incubate their eggs for an average of 14 days, ranging from 13 to 18 days. Incubation periods in the south are shorter than in the north.

References:

  • D’Orazio, K. A. and D. L. H. Neudorf. (2008). Nest defense by Carolina Wrens. Wilson Journal of Ornithology 120 (3):467-472.
  • Horn, J. C. (1984). Short-term changes in bird communities after clearcutting in western North Carolina. Wilson Bulletin 96:684-689.
  • Wood, D. R. and W. A. Carter. (2006). Carolina Wren nest successfully parasitized by House Finch. Wilson Journal of Ornithology 118 (3):413-415.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BIRD NESTS AND EGGS:

82 thoughts on “Carolina Wren: Nest and Eggs”

  1. Can I safely relocate a wren nest built in a hanging flower basket on my front porch. There are 5 eggs and I don’t want visitors to disturb incubation… just disturbed the mom myself this morning. Guess the nest is about 1 week old. I could move the basket if she is not in the nest but I do not want her to abandon it.

    1. Hi M. Hoff,

      Please leave the nest where it is; otherwise, the parents will not continue incubating if you move it. Do not worry about the birds being disturbed by visitors, they chose that place to nest during the time that traffic by visitors was happening. They are no being disturbed and will be fine. Your birds are used to people, otherwise, they would have nested somewhere else.

      Keep us posted,

      Al

      1. Yes, that’s good advice! We used to worry about disturbing them, too, but these birds are much smarter than most people are. They know all about what is safe and what’s not safe; they have observed you and your movements, and they trust you. To me, that is what is so special about wrens; they trust a caring human, and aren’t bothered by us–it’s a compliment to you and your family that they built where they built. You can even water your plant; just watch where you put the water, and be thoughtful of what they are doing. This year, we have a nest in some faux flowers that I put out in early Spring (I was tired of the dead plants on a wall my kitchen faces!), and much to my surprise, they built there–what a treat–we can watch the progression from the kitchen window! It’s about time for them to hatch, and I’m watching over the nest almost as if it’s mine. Very rewarding.

      2. Hi Alfred,
        A wren returned to lay clutch again this year two foot from our front door. Last year she nested in my philodendron hanging plant. I have a weird question(s). Will a wren cover the clutch with nesting material for protection?
        Because Caroline and her eggs were fine when I had my last cigarette at 1am. This morning I came out on the porch and all the eggs are not visible and I think the garter snake ate them. Most probable explanation. What can I spread around the porch to ward off snakes and not harm or deter Caroline and her babies?
        Sincerely,
        Rose

        1. Hi Rose,

          Yes, Carolina Wrens, and other birds, cover the nest with some material when they leave the nest. If the nest are missing and the nest is intact, a snake may be the culprit. For nests on poles a baffle or PVC pipes prevent snakes from getting to the nest. In your case, I am no sure how they are getting to the hanging plant, unless there is other plants snakes can use to climb to the nest.

          I don’t know about anything one can spread around the nest area to prevent them from getting to the nest.

          Good luck,
          Al.

  2. I have discovered a nest that I believe to be a wren nest. It is also in the middle of a hanging basket of our Wondering Jew plant. I discovered it when I watered the plant and the female came flying out, I have since stopped watering it as not to disturb her or her nest. My girls love to “check” on her and will cling a foot stool to peep into the hanging basket. They do not touch the basket or nest, most often the momma just looks out at us and doesn’t fly away. The male will come in the morning and bring her various food. We love having them and cannot wait to get a look at the babies when they hatch (5-6 eggs).

    1. Hi Mary,

      Yes, the parents won’t care if you guys check them frequently. They nested there and are used to the traffic. Seeing the chicks is going to be fun!

      Regards,
      Al

  3. Wren decided to nest in my tractor engine compartment…right in the middle of mowing season. Can I move it to my pickup truck engine compartment 3 feet away?

    1. Hi Jumpjet,

      Unfortunately, if you move the nest, the parents will not recognize it as their own and abandon the eggs. It’d take only a few weeks to let the hatch and fledge, then you can do anything with the nest as the birds will not re-use it.

      Regards,
      Al

      1. hi,
        i read all the above comments. I have the same issue. Can i leave the plant in the same spot but sit it up on a stand? My cat sneaks out to the porch on occasion and I fear will make a quick meal of those babies once hatched. Thank you.

        1. Hi Kam,

          Yes, pls do not move the plant to another location, the birds will not recognize it.

          The cat is a real danger. Please keep it indoors for the time the birds are nesting or watch it while the cat is outside and take it back in after it had some time outside.

          Regards,

          Al

  4. Janet Funicelli

    Hello fellow bird lovers! I have a problem with a couple of cow bird chicks in a Carolina wren nest in one of my hanging plants. By the time I noticed the nest and occupants they had all hatched. I believe there are 2 wrens and 2 cow bird babies. Is there anything I can do to insure the wren babies survive? I know cow birds are a protected species. This happened last year too. The only survivor was the cow bird chick.

    1. Hi Janet,

      At this point, I would let nature run its course. Since this is a recurrent problem, if the wrens attempt a second brood this season or next year, I would monitor the wren’s nest to see if cowbirds parasitize the nest again. If you notice cowbird eggs, use a teaspoon to gently remove the cowbird eggs. Continue monitoring the nests until the wren eggs hatch.

      Good luck,

      Al.

      1. Hello,

        We had a pair of Carolina wrens build a nest in our garage high up on a shelf, and did not realize it until after eggs had been laid. (We do often leave our garage open in the mornings and evenings when we are home to keep it from getting too hot in the summer.) Unfortunately, eggs just hatched yesterday, and we are about to leave Monday on a weeks’ vacation, meaning the garage door will be closed the entire time. Any advice on what to do? I cannot leave the garage door open while we are away for obvious reasons, and I’m afraid moving the nest would lead to abandonment as you mention. Secondly, what objects can we use (and where) to attract the wrens to a more suitable outdoor nesting site? We love having birds around, but want everyone to be safe and happy.

        1. Alfredo Begazo

          Hi Drew,

          A tough situation. Moving them will result in abandonment, but you have to do what you need to do. Close the garage making sure that both parents are outside and are not locked in. No worries about losing the eggs, they lose their eggs all the time and renest somewhere else.

          Carolina wrens take bird houses. Other than that, they can nest just about anywhere, including open garages 🙂

          Good luck,
          Al.

  5. Hi Al,

    Sad tale, I discovered a nest in the grease drip tray of my barbecue grill…after I had already heated the grill. I removed the tray, and found the nest with 2 eggs. I do not think I cooked the eggs, the nesting material was not burnt, eggs cool to touch.

    Is there a chance the adults will return to the nest and continue to lay as there were only 2 eggs? We usually find a nest somewhere on the deck (overturned planter, empty pot) but nothing this year and now this. I’m so disturbed to have found the nest with the eggs….and not sure if I should keep the eggs inside under a heat lamp, leave the in the nest, clean out the whole thing. As there are only 2 eggs, I’d guess it’d be fine to let them be cool, they have probably not started to incubate. But is there a point? I had to pull out (disturb) the tray to see what was inside, I can fit it back into the same space or just leave it in the bottom of the grill, covered with another piece to keep it private. Thoughts?

    1. Hi Francine,

      I would put the nest back and recreate the original conditions. They may come back and continue laying the rest of the clutch. If the eggs felt cool to the touch, then no damage was done. Check if you see activity at the grill, or in a week or so if they continued laying more eggs. If nothing happened and the birds are no longer around, then, I would remove the nest with the eggs and perhaps cover the grill so that they do try to nest there again.

      This type of accidents happen all the time.

      Regards,

      Al

  6. Saturday I had 6 Carolina Wren eggs in a hanging plant attached to a plant hanger on my fence. I was so excited to see that on Sunday I saw 4 babies and 1 unhatched egg. Not sure what happened to the 6th egg as I couldn’t get a visual. I barley water the plant but the extreme heat of TX is starting to affect it but I am afraid of hurting the babies. With the heat the plant is thinning out. Today, Tuesday I went to check on them and water the plant. When mom heard the hose turn on she flew out. So today I can only see 2 babies and 1 egg. I cannot see any signs they were pushed out. Too little to fall out. What could’ve happened to my babies? Would mom have carried them out? Or is it more likely that a lizard or something got them? How can I help protect the babies that are left?

    1. Hi Jamie,

      Hard to tell. Hanging planters close to a house are usually safe places to nest. While they often lay large clutches, one usually sees 2 or 3 nestlings being fed by the parents at the end. I am not sure if this happens in Wrens, but in other birds, when food is scarce or for other reasons the parents see that they won’t be able to bring them all up, they take some of the young nestlings out to make sure that at least they raise fewer successfully. This could be a reason.

      Hope the rest make it.

      Al.

  7. I saw a pair of Carolina Wrens trying to feed a much larger bird that didn’t look anything like them. Can anyone explain this?

    1. Alfredo Begazo

      Hi Debra,

      The larger bird is likely to be a young brown-headed cowbird. This is common, the female cowbird lays her eggs in other birds’ nests so that those other birds incubate and raise her young. Cowbirds parasitize other birds and never build nests and raise their own young.

      Almost always there is only one young cowbird being fed and not wrens because the young cowbird pushed the young wrens out of the nest.

      Regards,
      Al

  8. Ileana Smith

    I have a WREN nest on my fern plant, the babies are adorable! I had them last year also and I didn’t catch them when they left the nest. Any suggestions? I want to see when they leave. Also, once they are gone can I just take the nest out of my plant? Thank you.

    1. Alfredo Begazo

      Hi Ileana,

      It would take a lot of observing to catch them when they leave the nest. But if you hear more noise and activity from the wrens than usual, it could be a sign that they are about to leave the nest. It takes hours for all of them to leave the nest.

      Regarding taking the nest out of the planter, yes, it is safe to take it out. It won’t be used again.

      Regards,
      Al

  9. Coleen Bevington

    I have a wren nest in my patio chair. I saw them building the nest and there are 5 eggs in it. I sit on a different chair and have watched them come close to the nest when I am outside but never go in it. In the mornings I hear chirping from the nest and sometimes when I am out there the bird flies out of the nest. This is going to sound weird but I have kind of worked out a schedule with them. The bird usually leaves the nest at 7am so I have my coffee on the porch earlier around 10am I see it on my porch and all around the nest but does not go in so I go inside I can hear it in the nest sometimes but don’t look or disturb it. Around 3-4 o’clock pm a bird comes around and sits all over my porch so I go inside not sure when it goes back in but my n the morning I hear it chirping and make sure I go inside.
    I am concerned that I am keeping her from incubating her eggs but am also selfish and don’t want to give up my outdoor time. I have tried to work with the schedule I noticed but have two questions does the mother need to sit on her eggs all the time and two how is she going to push her babies out if they do hatch? This is a patio chair with cushions and webbing? The nest is built between the cushions there is no room to get them out unless the can fly from the top or sneak out the side like the parents do.
    Thanks for your help

    1. Alfredo Begazo

      Hi Coleen,

      Nothing weird about grabbing a cup of coffee and enjoying the birds at feeders; in your case going in and out of the nest. We do the same 🙂

      Regarding your questions, I would not cut down on my time outside for fear to disturb the wrens. They nested there and are used to that type of activity. Pretend you are not aware they are there; they will do the same. Assuming that you are not very close to the nest…

      Do not worry about the chicks not being able to get out of there. They will manage to do so. As long as they don’t fall into a deep pipe or something they are not able to get out, things will be fine.

      Keep enjoying your wrens.
      Al.

  10. Chrystal Dillman

    Discovered on blink camera last night a field mouse entering Carolina wren birdhouse nest 🪺 didn’t disturb the two eggs currently in nest. However concerned as I haven’t seen on male or female enter the birdhouse in two days. Should I be concerned over mouse in house and the non frequency of the wrens? Should I move camera which is motor censored two feet from bird house ? Please note: only two eggs currently in nest hoping after reading above comments wrens will be back and not concerned w field mouse squatter?

    1. Alfredo Begazo

      Hi Chrystal,

      Regarding the two eggs inside, the female may still be laying more eggs to complete the clutch, hence she is not incubating yet and does do not need to be around all the time. However, she lays an egg every other day and if she is not coming back they might have been spooked by the mouse??? If she does not return, it may be because the wrens now think that since there is a mouse, nesting there is too risky. Mice eat bird eggs and even baby ones.

      I don’t think the camera has to do anything with them leaving or staying. The mouse inside the bird house is of more concern.

      Give it a few more days and see what they do. Keep us posted.

      Thanks,
      Al.

  11. Hello,

    We had a pair of Carolina wrens build a nest in our garage high up on a shelf, and did not realize it until after eggs had been laid. (We do often leave our garage open in the mornings and evenings when we are home to keep it from getting too hot in the summer.) Unfortunately, eggs just hatched yesterday, and we are about to leave Monday on a weeks’ vacation, meaning the garage door will be closed the entire time. Any advice on what to do? I cannot leave the garage door open while we are away for obvious reasons, and I’m afraid moving the nest would lead to abandonment as you mention. Secondly, what objects can we use (and where) to attract the wrens to a more suitable outdoor nesting site? We love having birds around, but want everyone to be safe and happy.

  12. Good Morning!
    We have a wren’s nest in a hanging basket that started with five eggs. I just saw a fledging leave the nest, but when I peeked in the nest to see if there were any left I found three eggs.. do you suppose those are not going to hatch since at least one did and just flew away? If that is so, should I remove them and leave the nest?

    1. Hello Patty,

      The eggs left in the nest are unlikely to hatch since the chick(s) just left the nest.

      It is better to leave the nest there. The birds will not reuse it again, but if it does bother you or is on your way, leaving the nest in place would not hurt.

      Good Luck,
      Al.

  13. Hello, our Carolina wrens just flew the nest this morning. 2 of the 3 are gone to the bushes, but one is still on the driveway and floundering about in a shallow puddle. Really hard to watch. I assume this is normal and the baby will either catch up with the group or won’t make it. I’m just surprised because the feathers are rather sparse. Do they fledged before they are full flyers? I don’t see anything that would’ve caused them to abandon the nest early.

    Thanks
    Ellie

    1. Hello Ellie,

      It is uncommon, but sometimes chicks leave the nest ahead of time. It will take this chick a few days to be able to fly up to the bushes comfortably. It is risky, though.

      It is unclear why they do that. However, this may happen more often when the little one sees the other siblings leave the nest, which often means that the parents will feed the chicks outside and neglect the one left in the nest. It may be better to be outside too and beg-call to be fed.

      I hope it works out for the chick.

      Al.

  14. Hi, AL

    My mom and I were moving the tarp off of my dogs outdoor kennel as we were planning on moving it. However we didn’t see the nest until we saw eggs go everywhere. There were 8 eggs and no parents. None if the eggs were broken as they landed in the grass and I gently places them back into the nest. However since we moved the tarp I am afraid that the mom won’t return to the nest. I did put the nest somewhere close by (say 30 ft) but I haven’t put it in a ‘cavity’. What can I do. I feel so bad bc it was unintentional but I want them to be ok.

    1. Hellow Karissa,

      I doubt the parents will return to the nest if it was located away from the original site.

      I would not worry, it was an accident. Carolina wrens lose their egg all the time. It may be too late for them to attempt another brood this year, but they will have two more broods the next year.

      Regards,

      Al.

  15. Arlene Weeks

    We have a potted plant just outside our garage door and every year a wren builds a nest in it. We always see mama wren around, she comes in and out of the garage a lot. Last year the eggs hatched just before a cold snap, temps dropped from the 70’s to 28 and all the babies died. Currently another cold snap is predicted (literally a year from last year’s) and I worry the eggs, which were just laid in the last few days, are vulnerable. Can I just carefully place a wool blanket on the pot? The plants in the pot will easily hold the blanket up so it doesn’t squish the nest and the nest opening will still be accessible. Mama is on the eggs now and I just don’t want her to lose these babies this year.
    Thanks for your help,
    Arlene

    1. Hi Arlene,

      Sure, your wrens, nesting there every year, are used to people. The blanked may help. Make sure you remove the blanket when the cold snap has passed.

      Good luck,
      Al

  16. Edolia Wright

    I have a nest at the bottom of my windshield right under the hood of my car. I assume it is because I work from home but now that my kids start their sport seasons I have to leave more often to drop them off and pick them up. I continue to leave and come back and the 4 eggs just go for the ride the mama gets out of there until I come back each time. Any suggestions on moving them before they hatch or leave them and move it after they hatch she seems to wait and watch for my return perhaps.

    1. Hi Edolia,

      That is a difficult situation. If you move the nest to a different location, the parents won’t recognize the nest at the new location at theirs. I would recommend removing the nest and eggs as soon as possible before they hatch (the situation would be worse if the eggs hatch). Birds can rebuild a new nest and lay a new clutch in two weeks.

      Good luck,

      Al

  17. HI. I just found a Carolina Wren nest with about 6 eggs while raking my property (South Carolina). The nest is on the ground. There are quite a few cats that roam the area. Should I move it? What do I do?

    1. Hi F Rowe,

      The nest must be wedged into something, correct? Not on the open ground, I would assume. I would recommend leaving the nest where it is. If the nest is moved, the parents will not recognize it as theirs. The bird nested there, assuming it was the safest place to raise their young. If they fail there, they will move to another location for a second attempt.

      Good luck,

      Al

  18. Hi. I accidentaly uncovered a Carolina wren nest as I was cleaning out a planter of ferns on my front porch. There were 5 eggs in the nest that I photographed and quickly replaced the top half of its nest. I am glad that action did not cause the nest to be abandoned. I have been able to watch the bird activity from my window as well as having continuous monitoring by an arlo camera. Today is the 15th day since I discovered the nest but no hatchlings yet. I have never spotted a pair of bird’s at the nest. It’s always just one bird that attends to the nest, leaving for short times. Is this unusual? I did catch a squirrel on camera with its nose in the nest. I am afraid it snatched some eggs. Being the 15th day since I discovered the eggs, I am concerned whatever eggs are left won’t hatch. Could these eggs not be fertile as I’ve never seen a 2nd bird nearby? What are your thoughts? Thank you.

    1. Hi Diana,

      They should have hatched by now. Unless they actually hatched and the parents are bringing food to the tiny hatchlings.

      Take a quick peek when the parents leave to see what is inside. It is safe.

      Good luck,

      Al

  19. Julee SeRine

    My husband found a wren nest with 4 eggs in the riding lawn mower and removed it while he mowed and put it back The wrens came back What should we do and how long does it take these baby take to get out of that nest?

    1. Hello Julee,

      I am glad to hear that they came back to the nest.

      It takes them 13-14 days of incubation before the eggs hatch. After hatching, the chicks stay in the nest attended by their parents for about 14-14 days.

      Good luck,

      Al.

      1. I’ve been following the nest building and eventual feeding of wren chicks, chasing off stray cats, etc. Yesterday I noticed the parent doesn’t sound the alarm when I’m outside and I was so proud. Tragically, I saw a snake in the birdhouse last night. My husband tried to shoo it away with a broom but it just went all the way in the birdhouse (the snake’s head and about four inches were already in the birdhouse when I discovered it.). The snake left but I’m sure it ate the chicks first. I am devastated. Is there anyway to keep this from happening again if that birdhouse is ever reused? Were the parents in there too? I’m just crushed!

        1. Hi Janice,

          Unfortunately this happens frequently. Please, search the internet for ways to keep snakes from getting to bird houses. Folks that offer houses to eastern bluebirds have developed techniques to keep snakes off nesting boxes.

          Good luck,
          Al

  20. I have a Carolina Wren nest on a table in my carport. It is in a spot that we walk by constantly, but we aren’t concerned because the mama hasn’t been concerned.

    The best was built and a brood of 6 eggs (best I can tell) were lain in the nest. This was before Easter, maybe third week in March. The eggs were there by at least April 1st.

    Mama had been religiously sitting on her eggs day and night, and she would even let us look at her as she sat there.

    My concern now is that I haven’t seen mama bird in a week, but all of the eggs are unhatched. My guess is that all the eggs are bad, but we are concerned that something may have happened to mama bird, which is why she hasn’t returned.

    I know nature has to take its course regardless of what the reason she isn’t returning.

    I’m going to give it a few more days to see if anything changes, unless you have another suggestion, and then remove the nest.

    The wrens nest in our carport every year, but I’ve never seen the entire brood not hatch.

    Thanks for your time and advice.

    1. Hello Wesley,

      If the parents disappear abruptilla like that, it is likely what the female was somehow compromised (taken by a hawk, a cat, or something happened to her). The male, usually, will not continue with a set of unhatched eggs in the nest. It is just too much to handle by one bird. If the eggs were already hatched, he might have been able to raise them, at least one or two.

      The remaining bird will get another mate and breed with it, this year or the next.

      Good luck, and sorry about the delay in responding.

      Al.

  21. I appreciate reading all this info and comments! We have a Carolina wren family that nests on our porch almost every year, coming in through a hole in our screen. This year the hole in the screen is bigger. We saw the incubation period and then 5 babies who were being fed and starting to get feathers (their eyes were not opened yet.) The evening that we peeked in the nest (we regularly pass within inches of the nest but never touch it) we saw all 5 of the babies had been thrown out of the nest and scattered around the nest, and none survived. I can’t figure out what happened. I saw both parents come in at different times after that—the dad with food trying to feed his babies, and the mom who looked ready to lay again. Two of the babies that didn’t make it seemed slightly bigger, and I suspected a cowbird, but I thought cowbirds only laid one egg in other nests. Is there any other explanation? Thank you!

    1. Hi Natalie,

      This is so unusual, more so due to the fact that the parents are entering the porch through a hole in the netting. This means that they are very familiar with the lay-out of the land there. I can’t figure out what would have discovered that hole and entered the porch???

      House wren and house sparrows could do something like that but knowing how to enter the porch and out, I find unlikely.

      Is there a cat at the house (or a child) that might have gotten to the babies?

      Regards,

      Al

  22. The Wrens Granny

    I have a Carolina Wren nest that parents built in a terracotta birdhouse I have hanging on my back porch.. there are 4 babies inside, all with their eyes opened. I noticed that the birdhouse wasn’t stable and feared it may drop from the hook it was hanging on.. I quickly reinforced it by sitting the birdhouse in an open planter that is now hanging from the same hook. I didn’t move the babies, only added the planter for better support for the birdhouse. Do you think they may abandon them for what I did? I’ve been worried since, but did what I thought was best.

    1. Hello Wrens Granny,

      Once the eggs are hatched and the babies chirping for food, many things can happen to the nest and the parents will continue delivering food to the hungry chicks. You did the right thing.

      Al.

  23. Sue Ann Ng-Martinez

    Hi,
    My husband found a nest when he was watering his plants. The mother bird flew out. When he looked in he found two eggs. The pot was about 6 ft High and Later the next day, he found an egg on the concrete floor. We were surprised it did not crack or break. He did pick it up and put it in the nest.

    At first, we thought the eggs were abandoned since we had gone in to look at the nest. We then continue to see the adult birds flying in and out of the pot and now we were surprised to see three babies crying for food when the parents come. It is really interesting to see nature take its course. We have a camera right near the pot to see their activities and enjoying their feedings every few minutes. We have no clue where the third baby came from. But we are very happy to see them so busy from 5:30 a.m. till sundown around 8:30 p.m.

    Ps: we were not sure how to keep our plant watered so slid a huge saucer under the plant and fill it with water on the bottom so at least the plant will be watered as well.

    1. Hi Sue Ann,

      Glad to head about the happy ending!. Do not worry too much about watering the plant, just the way you used to do it making sure you don’t put too much water that would flood the nest. You’d want to put less water but more often until the chicks are gone.

      Good Luck,
      Al

  24. I’ve had a Carolina Wren nesting in my hanging basket for several weeks (eggs were laid nearly 3-4 weeks ago). Mom still sits on nest every day but no hatchlings yet – five eggs. Any thoughts as to why they haven’t hatched?

    1. Hi Angie,

      Carolina Wren eggs typically hatch after an incubation period of 13 to 18 days. However, there are several reasons why eggs may not hatch, including:

      Not enough time has passed: It’s important to give the eggs enough time to hatch before assuming that they won’t. Not your case.

      Abandonment: If the female wren does not feel safe, she may abandon the eggs.

      Infertile eggs: If the eggs were not fertilized, they will not hatch.

      Environmental factors: Extreme temperatures or other environmental factors may prevent the eggs from hatching.

      I am sure there are other reasons.

      I am surprised that she is still sitting on the eggs.

      Al.

  25. Sarah bad bird mom

    Hello! I regret to say we have a c wren nest with eggs that we thought was abandoned! It’s in our bbq grill, and the adults disappeared for weeks at a time. We didn’t see them for 2 weeks straight and thought it was abandoned, so we moved it. Well – this morning they showed up looking for their nest!! We put the nest with eggs back in the grill. Any chance they’ll come back again and the eggs will be incubated?
    I feel just awful 😢.

    1. Hi Sarah,

      If the eggs were there for so long, they were abandoned for some reason. If you saw the birds back, I am not sure they were looking for the nest but just happen to be back in your yard for other reasons. Your house is in the wrens’ territory and they are likely to be in the area all the time. You just happened to see them again.

      Good luck,
      Al.

  26. Hi Al, We have a nest of Carolina Wrens in our boat trailer on May 29th. They were already hatched. We have a boat trip planned for June 10th. By our calculation, if the babies hatched on the day we found them, they’ll be 12 days old on Saturday. Boat trip can’t be cancelled. How do I evict them safely? Thank you! Maria

    1. Hi Maria,

      What a situation. Carolina Wrens leave the nest 10-16 days after hatching. I don’t know how old they were when you found them. Assuming that they were 1 day old, as you mention, it would be about 12-13 days after hatching and within the range the babies would leave the nest anyway. Moving eggs to a different location never works, but moving babies of fledging age seems to work. The parents are fully engaged with the babies and they can communicate. The babies will let their parents know where they are and where to bring food.

      They may be gone by the time you need to use the boat. If not, 1) find a place as close as where the nest is, 2) cover the nest and entrance with a towel, to prevent the chicks from trying to escape, 3) place the nest at the new location and leave the nest with the towel on for a few minutes, 4) remove the towel, and leave quickly. The parents may come back and not find the nest and chicks and are likely to begin calling. The chicks will respond after sometime particularly when they get hungry.

      It is very important to have a cat free environment for when the chicks leave the nest.

      Everything should work out.
      Good luck,
      Al.

  27. Hey AL,
    Thanks for this info on Carolina wrens! I discovered two building a nest behind a bag on a bookcase in my garage. We leave it open pretty much all day so I’m not surprised they picked that spot. They had so much nesting materials that I couldn’t really see a nest come together. So I scooped up some of the materials and put them in a birdhouse in the same spot. She must have liked it because she came back frequently! My husband goes to work very early and goes through the garage doors. She was chirping to be let out a few days ago so I let her out. I just checked the nest to see if anything was happening and saw at least 3 eggs!! She came back at dusk so I closed the door and she stayed in her house. Our family is very happy to watch this event, what a cute little blessing. Should I put some bird seed and fresh water for her in the garage at night?

    1. Hi Sabrina,

      It is not necessary to offer seed to you Carolina Wrens. They eat mostly insects and may take suet and seeds from bird feeders. However, they need to see other birds going to the feeder for them to do the same. It your wrens are not familiar with bird feeders, it is likely that they will not recognize what you offer to them.

      Just make sure that you open the door every morning and close it when it is dark to make sure she is incubating in the nest and not locked out.

      Good luck,
      Al

  28. My cable guy came and when he opened the box, the nest flew out with brand new chicks bald as a baby’s butt landing on the ground. I panicked and scooped up the babies and the nest and put them in a flower pot. It took the parents all day, sometimes being right next to the nest without knowing but they found the pot where I had placed it out of direct sunlight about 20 ft away from the cable box and they’ve fed their babies who all now have feathers 5 days later and are doing great! I thought for sure they’d abandon the nest after touching and moving the babies and nest but no! They are doing great and don’t mind me being right there while they raise their young! Just wanted to note saving the nest wasn’t in vain and the parents are doing just fine taking care of their modified home!

    1. Hi Candice,

      Glad to hear that it worked out. Chick can communicate with the parents and can often be moved (within reason) and the parents will go where the chick call from. It there were eggs, I doubt the parents would continue incubating the eggs at the new location.

      Al.

  29. I have a video we took this evening of the third baby wren learning how to fly out of the nest! How can I upload it? It is awesome! They built the nest in our hanging begonia plant and have not seen us as a threat at all. It’s been a lovely experience!

  30. We found a baby what we think is Carolina Wren. Should I rescue him he’s been on the ground for a day and hiding in the planter.

    1. Hi Prasanth,

      No, please leave it alone. Carolina wrens do not fall far from the nest. The parents are around and they can find each other through calls.
      Just make sure there is not potential threats to the baby bird in the form of cats or dogs.

      Good luck,
      Al

  31. Hi there, so I have a Carolina Wren nest, with 3 eggs in a bike helmet, in my garage. That’s fine I’ll leave it, but I found a dead wren in my garage as well, and I’m worried it won’t be able to feed the babies. What can we do to help?

    1. Hello Leigh Ann,

      If they were incubating eggs, it is likely that the remaining parent abandon the nest with the eggs. If chicks have already hatch and one of the parents dies of disappears, the remaining bird is likely to continue feeding the chicks until fledging.

      I would recommend not to intervene. However, if the chicks are at risk, you may want to contact a local wildlife rescue center in your area.
      I hope things work out,

      Al

  32. Hi there,
    I have a Carolina Wren that played 4 eggs in an hydrangeas pot on my deck. This morning when I checked on them there were 4. Now I only have 3. Any ideas what could have happened to one of the egg?
    Thank you in advance.

    1. Hello Melody,

      Many thing could have happened. One of the more likely reasons is house wrens or even competing Carolina Wrens taking one egg out when the nesting pair was not around. I saw a starling taking an egg from my woodpecker nesting box, two weeks ago.

      The three remaining eggs will hatch soon.
      Al

      1. The eggs hatch and one of the little birdie disappeared after 3 days sadly. I am not sure what happened. I hope the two others make it… Thank you for your answer.

  33. I have a family of Carolina wrens the eggs have hatched and they are feeding them constantly throughout the day, I have been watching this and it appears that one of them is bringing food to the other one inside of the nest. Every now and then I see the one in the nest gives a small cream colored item to the one outside and they take it away. Any idea what this is?

    1. Hello Arlene,

      The parents keep the nest sanitized by taking the babies’ poop out of the nest. Baby birds poop in gel-like sacs known as fecal sacs or poop bags.
      This is what you see the parents taking and dropping it away from the nest.

      Al.

  34. I have a small wren nest on my front porch, she laid her last egg July 4th & still none have hatched. She has been gone from the nest for over 5 days now, the male however has returned each morning, he sings for her with no response.. Should I remove the 4 tiny unchanged eggs or..??

  35. Hi! Unfortunate situation and need guidance. This is the second wren to nest on our deck this year (first in a watering can and now in my basil plant) BUT … I have to move it. Our deck is scheduled to be torn down and rebuilt this weekend and there is no way around that. What’s the best method to move my basil plant/nest with the highest probability of mama bird finding it?

    1. Hi Stephanie,

      If the wrens have eggs chances are they will not go to the new location. If the Basil plant es easily identifiable (large and has a distinctive shape) experiment by moving the plant as close to the nest as possible. This would men outside the project’s footprint. Try that and see what happens.

      Good luck,
      Al.

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