The Northern Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes trogolodytes) is a small passerine song bird, and a sub-species of the Eurasian Wren. 

The Northern Wren is rufous-brown with a paler underbelly. It has short, rounded wings and a tail with a dark barred pattern. Its beak is dark-brown. Its legs are pale brown. 

It grows to 11-13 centimetres (4-5 inches) tall. 

It is native to Europe and Asia. It prefers mountainous regions and cooler habitats. It is also seen in parks and gardens.

It it territorial and will chase away other birds from its territory. 

It is an insectivore, eating insects. It also eats arachnids, such as spiders and scorpions. It ‘hop-searches’ for food.

The male builds several nests, often six or seven, in a hole in a tree, rock, or building. The female chooses one. When the female chooses one, the male then lines it with grass, moss, or leaves. The female lays 5-8 speckled eggs, which hatch after about 14 days.

Newborn chicks are blind and featherless, which is known as altricial. Their eyes open after 5-6 days, and they are fully feathered by 10 days. Fledglings are able to feed themselves after 40 days, but remain in the family group for a year or more before moving to another group. 

[Location of photographs: Paris, France]

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM