“Good things come in small packages.”That statement wasn’t written about the Carolina Wren. But it easily could have been.

At up to 5.5 inches long and weighing just .75 ounces (the same as five quarters), the Carolina Wren has a distinctive short tail and round, squat body. And what a fine little package it is! Upperparts are a latticework of cinnamon-colored hues with white pinstripe edging on its wings and tail. Underparts are a soothing buff tan. This bird is a treat for the eyes…and ears. It belts out its distinctive “tea-kettle, tea-kettle” song along with dozens of other tunes all year long (even in winter) and can sing up to 3,000 songs a day! An unabashed insectivore (bug chomper) the Carolina Wren is a big fan of suet feeders in winter. (Suet is soft and fatty. Bugs are soft and fatty. Get it?) Wooded, brushy backyards are some of its favorite territories. The state bird of South Carolina, the Carolina Wren has been pushing steadily north since around 1900 as winters have increasingly warmed. But sometimes winter bites back. Harsh snow and ice storms can be hard on a bird with a Dixie heart, often decimating local populations. During tough times, Carolina Wrens look for – you guessed it – backyard bird feeders. So keep your suet stocked and you’ll be rewarded with Carolina’s finest all winter long!