Marsh Wren (Cistothorus palustris)

“Sassy” may best describe the character of this marsh denizen. Seldom seen except when singing from the tops of bulrushes or cattails in spring, Marsh Wrens “gargle, twitter, and chatter” from most sizable fresh or brackish marshes all along the coast. The males are exceptionaly vocal and learn an incredible diversity of song types early in life. Although most active during the daylight hours, Marsh Wrens may also sing at night, especially under the light of the moon.

 

Some male Marsh Wrens build numerous nests within their territory each year, a necessary complement to their polygymous mating strategy (a behavior more common in the west than the east). One nest houses the female, the eggs, and the young, while the male roosts in another. He also builds several “dummy” nests that stay empty all season. This behavior may have evolved as predator avoidance—a raccoon loses intereest after dismantling an empty nest—or maybe the construction just gives the Marsh Wren something to do with its time.

 

Marsh Wrens are insectivores, foraging low in the vegetation or on the marsh floor, primarily on insects and spiders.

(Rich Stallcup and Jules Evens)

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