Wrens are surprisingly loud despite their tiny stature. Singing is most important at dawn, since this is when intruding males may attempt to steal territory. Defending males meet their challenger with song and females listen to the vocal contests. If they like what they hear, they may sneak off and seek extra-pair copulations. Wrens are Britain’s most common breeding bird, but their small size and reliance on insects mean they perish easily during prolonged periods of cold weather.

Live webcam: Watch live action of garden birds during the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch weekend.

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