Watercolor portrait of Pacific Wren (Troglodytes pacificus)

Pacific Wren

Troglodytes pacificus
Pacific Wrens live year-round across muc… Look for it in damp conifer forests, sha… Common Cascading forest song

Learn to identify the Pacific Wren by ear. Master the "teakettle-teakettle, silver-bubbles-brrr!" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“teakettle-teakettle, silver-bubbles-brrr!”

What the Pacific Wren sounds like

Tiny, dark, and endlessly busy, the Pacific Wren zips through mossy tangles like a wind-up toy. Its tail stays cocked, and its song pours out in a sparkling rush of whistles, trills, and bubbling notes that sounds far too big for such a small bird.

“teakettle-teakettle, silver-bubbles-brrr!”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A long, dazzling burst of high whistles, trills, and tinkling notes. It tumbles out fast and bright, often from a stump or log in deep woods. Often written as “teakettle-teakettle, silver-bubbles-brrr!”.
Don't confuse with:The Winter Wren — looks extremely similar and is best separated by range and voice.

Where you'll hear it

Look for it in damp conifer forests, shady ravines, stream edges, and thickets choked with ferns, logs, and roots. It loves deep, messy cover and usually keeps low to the ground.

They sing most boldly in spring and early summer, when males seem to burst with sound from stumps and fallen logs. In winter they turn quieter and sneakier, slipping through dark understory cover.

Similar species

Winter Wren

Looks extremely similar and is best separated by range and voice.

House Wren

Usually found in drier, more open habitats, yards, and brushy edges rather than dark conifer forest.

Bewick's Wren

Larger and longer-tailed, with a cleaner gray belly.

Pacific Wren song FAQ

What does a Pacific Wren sound like?
A long, dazzling burst of high whistles, trills, and tinkling notes. It tumbles out fast and bright, often from a stump or log in deep woods. Listen for the "teakettle-teakettle, silver-bubbles-brrr!" phrase.
How do I tell a Pacific Wren from a Winter Wren by sound?
Winter Wren: Looks extremely similar and is best separated by range and voice.; Pacific Wren is the expected bird in coastal and western Pacific forests.; Song is different too, with Pacific Wren giving a distinct cascading, ringing performance..
When is the best time to hear a Pacific Wren?
They sing most boldly in spring and early summer, when males seem to burst with sound from stumps and fallen logs. In winter they turn quieter and sneakier, slipping through dark understory cover.