Wisconsin’s wet summer has made for some interesting (and tough) traversing of our lowland wet-mesic prairies. Standing water has blanketed much of our floodplain prairies for the better part of the summer, and the lush growth enabled by the copious rainfall tangles and arrests any attempt for efficient walking. But nonetheless, the work of invasive plant species removal must go on, and at least the sedge wrens are there to keep us company. Present but elusive, the Sedge Wren inhabits areas of dense vegetation within wet prairies and meadows, upper edges of marshes, and sphagnum bogs. Too deep into the marsh and you won’t find them. That ecological niche is filled by the Marsh Wren, a slightly larger relative of the Sedge Wren, which tends to occupy deeper marshes with cattails and rushes. Faville Grove has numerous areas along Prairie Lane in which wet prairies with dense vegetation grade into emergent marsh, and these spots all present good opportunities to hear, and possibly see, the diminutive Sedge Wren.
The diminutive Sedge Wren (photo by Kelly Colgan Azar).
The Sedge Wren is a small bird, measuring about four inches in length with a wingspan of approximately six inches. It is characterized by its streaked brown back and a distinctive pale stripe over its eye. These features camouflage it well within the miniature jungle of wetland vegetation where they can be found. Despite its size, the Sedge Wren emits a loud and persistent song, which resonates across its habitat during the breeding season. Males are particularly vocal, utilizing their songs to defend territories and attract mates. Most often they’ll sing from within the vegetation, but can sometimes be spotted perched atop taller plants. Their song is a series of rapid, high-pitched trills that can be heard throughout the day, especially in the early morning and late evening hours.
The Sedge Wren is just another example of the exciting biodiversity of our state’s wetlands, and a great reminder of the need to protect them. Historically categorized as useless wasteland and still under-appreciated to this day, wetlands confer innumerable benefits to people, and support an incredible biodiversity of birds, insects, mammals, amphibians and plants. Sedge Wrens are one part of that grand picture, and their trilling call serves as a rallying cry for us to keep pushing to restore and protect these important habitats.
Written by Tucker Sanborn, Faville Grove Sanctuary land steward
Cover photo by Arlene Koziol. A Sedge Wren perches on a narrow green reed.
