Family: Troglodytidae, Wrens view all from this family

Description ADULT Has reddish buff upperparts overall, with subtle dark barring on tail, more striking dark and pale barring on wings, bold dark and pale streaks on back, and a streaked crown; supercilium is buffy. Underparts are buffy brown overall, but palest and whitish on throat. JUVENILE Similar to adult, but colors and markings are duller overall.

Dimensions Length: 4-4 1/2" (10-11 cm)

Habitat Locally common summer visitor (mainly May-Sep) to wet meadows and marshes where sedges predominate. Winters in similar habitats (plus coastal marshes) in southeastern U.S.

Observation Tips Easiest to find when vocal on breeding grounds.

Range Southeast, Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic, New England, Western Canada, Texas, Eastern Canada, Florida, Plains

Voice Song is a dry rattle preceded by a couple of sharp chip, chip notes; call is a sharp chip.

Discussion Superficially similar to Marsh Wren, but separated by voice, habitat preference, and subtle plumage differences: Sedge has paler, warmer buff plumage overall, with more conspicuous barring on wings and more extensively streaked back. Like many other wrens (including Marsh), male builds several "dummy" nests that are not used. Sexes are similar.