44 Nebraskaland • May 2025
fi ercely compete with other birds,
such as house sparrows and starlings.
Wrens sometimes evict other bird
species from cavities and destroy
their eggs if they fi nd a place they
want.
The "northern" part of the name is
new. In 2024, ornithologists split house
wrens into two species. Those ranging
from southern Mexico southward are
now known as the southern house
wren (Troglodytes musculus). While
numerous subspecies of the northern
house wren have been distinguished,
all in Nebraska are Troglodytes aedon
parkmanii.
While the house wren may have
suff ered population declines in the
20th century with the introduction of
the house sparrow to North America,
its population appears to be stable
now.
House wrens were named for
their tendency to nest near homes
and in birdhouses, so they're an
ideal backyard species. People can
attract house wrens by installing
nest boxes. Position them facing
east about 5 feet off the ground
near the edge of a wooded area. The
birds are drawn to trees, shrubs and
brush piles that provide both cover
for them and habitat for insects they
like to eat.
N
A house wren perches on a cut branch in the Pine Ridge Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest in Dawes County.
A male house wren gathers nesting materials. Males build numerous nests in
spring, hoping one will be suitable for a female.
