STATUS: Generally uncommon.
HABITAT: Primarily inhabits dense undergrowth of coniferous forests, generally near water. Favors spruce and fir forests, but sometimes inhabits dense mixed and hardwood forests. Frequents thickets near woodland streams, boreal swamps and bogs, banks of marshy ditches, and slash piles. In winter, prefers coniferous and deciduous woodlands with a dense understory, especially in moist areas.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Moist coniferous woodlands with low woody vegetation, or low-lying cold bogs or swamps.
NEST: Usually nests under an upturned root of a tree or under a stump, in a hollow log, brush heap or rocky crevice, or rarely in an old woodpecker hole. Does not typically build its nest in an enclosed cavity as other wrens do.
FOOD: Insects and spiders gleaned from the ground form almost the entire diet.
REFERENCES: Bent 1948, DeGraff et al. 1980, Forbush and May 1955, Johnsgard 1979.