singing wren in december (1 Viewer)

marnixR

WYSIWYG

• Dec 23, 2017

• #1

earlier today I was walking across Coryton roundabout on the outskirts of Cardiff, when I saw and heard a wren in full song, which struck me as rather odd
isn’t it a little early for wrens to sing? as far as i’m aware only robins sing throughout the year - or is this bird mistakenly under the impression that spring has arrived now that we’re experiencing a mild spell after a cold start to December?

 

A

aeshna5

Well-known member

• Dec 23, 2017

• #2

I've heard a couple briefly singing around the London suburbs over the last week. Today while doing some gardening there was a Dunnock singing in the garden as well as Robin.

 

dantheman

Bah humbug

• Dec 23, 2017

• #3

Song Thrushes been going for a while here too.

Factors include light levels - especially with artificial lighting - affecting hormone levels, as well as temperature/weather on the day.

 

ClarkWGriswold

Carpe Carpum

Supporter

• Dec 23, 2017

• #4

A Wren has been singing away for the last week or so behind the office in Carmarthen.

 

Nutcracker

Stop Brexit!

• Dec 23, 2017

• #5

Wrens, Robins, Song & Mistle Thrushes all singing around here recently.

 

H

Hauksen

Forum member

• Dec 23, 2017

• #6

Hi,

marnixR said:

isn’t it a little early for wrens to sing?

Click to expand...

Not at all. Older German vernacular names for the Wren often started with "snow" because the bird was conspicious for singing in wintertime.

This German site notes that one of the Naumanns [in the 19th century] called the Wren "Schneeschlüpfer", which is probably best translated as "Snow Warbler":

https://www.nabu.de/tiere-und-pflan...e/vogel-des-jahres/2004-zaunkoenig/02027.html

Regards,

Henning

 

jogresh

Bimble and patch

• Dec 23, 2017

• #7

I was under the impression Wrens tend to sing more or less year-round, a bit like Robins, perhaps due to their potentially high population densities?
(As an aside, i paid particular attention to the singing Robins this year as i was in the field every day working, and wondered when they would have a break in singing while moulting - in mid Wales it was a couple of weeks at the end of July - beginning of Aug.
Lovely to hear a Blackbird 2 days ago at dusk in N Wales.

Edit - fascinating info about one of the German names for Wren, wonder if other languages have similar?..

 

Last edited: Dec 23, 2017

ovenbird43

Well-known member

• Dec 28, 2017

• #8

It's been my experience that most wren species sing year-round (particularly the non-migratory species), though at much reduced frequency outside of spring. I've been hearing Carolina Wrens sing occasionally this month, though none of the wintering visitors have begun singing.

 

M

mark clements

New member

• Dec 28, 2017

• #9

The one in the rosemary outside my lounge window hasn't been told it shouldn't be singing, or its just ignored the instructions.
Ditto robin, blackbird, mistle thrush and possibly a charging, but it was windy and not too clear.
Harry

 

B

BimmyB

Well-known member

• Dec 29, 2017

• #10

I had a Corn Bunting singing yesterday (28/12) on the downs near Salisbury, Wilts, have had them singing here in early November before now, too.