The Wren is one of the smallest yet most distinctive winter birds in Central Europe. Despite its tiny size, it has a remarkably loud voice. In winter it searches protected areas where insects can still be found—such as hedges, woodpiles, and dense undergrowth. Wrens rarely appear in the open but are often heard around gardens.

EN: Wren
NL: Winterkoning
DE: Zaunkönig
Scientific name: Troglodytes troglodytes




Identification

Size: 9–10 cm (one of Europe’s smallest birds)

Plumage:

Warm brown with fine barring

Tail often held upright

Pale eyebrow stripe

Round, compact body

Winter habitat

Dense hedges

Bushes and shrubbery

Woodpiles

Gardens with hiding places

Forest edges and undergrowth

Diet

Insects and spiders

Larvae and pupae

Small snails

Wrens eat almost no seeds, which is why they don’t frequent feeders.

They search moss, dead wood, and leaf litter for tiny prey items.

Behavior

Secretive and low to the ground

Quick, darting movements

Loud, trilling song (even in winter)

Roosts in crevices or sheltered structures

Several Wrens may share a sleeping spot in frost periods

Importance for gardens

A Wren in your garden or livestream indicates:

good habitat structure

healthy insect life

dense vegetation and shelter

Seeing one up close is uncommon, so a Wren appearance is always a special moment for viewers.