Marsh Wren

Bird Courtship Nests

Some species use other methods to attract mates or develop pair-bonds. The male Marsh Wren builds several almost spherical courting nests that are lashed into stands of sedges or cattails. each nest is sturdily woven of grasses and contains a small side entrance. While the male sings and displays, the female enters its territory and inspects the nests. If the female accepts the male, it adds a lining to one of the courtship nests to prepare it for a clutch of eggs. The female may judge a male's potential as a mate by the number and quality of his nests.

Left: A male Marsh Wren delivers a dragonfly nymph to its hungry nestings. Male Marsh Wrens build several nests within its territory. You will seldom see them far from cattails, rushes,, sedges, or tall marsh grasses.


Marsh Wren