Missouri Department of Conservation
Missouri Department of
Conservation
Common Name: WREN, MARSH
Phylum: CHORDATA
Class: AVES
Order: PASSERIFORMES
Family: TROGLODYTIDAE
Genus: CISTOTHORUS
Species: PALUSTRIS
SubSpecies: DISSAEPTUS
Taxonomic Authority: BANGS
Taxonomy References: 001
NONGAME
STATE RANK S2
GLOBAL RANK G5
Status References: 019 , 025 , 029
"Inhabit marshes with dense emergent vegetation, especially cattails."
Primary Habitat: "Wetland - marsh"
References: 002
"Statewide distribution during migration *12*. Uncommon transient, rare summer resident in north, casual winter resident *27*."
| Known | Likely | Unknown | Not Likely | Historic | Extirpated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADAIR | ANDREW | ||||
| BOLLINGER | ATCHISON | ||||
| BUCHANAN | AUDRAIN | ||||
| CAMDEN | BARRY | ||||
| CAPE GIRARDEAU | BARTON | ||||
| CHARITON | BATES | ||||
| CLARK | BENTON | ||||
| COLE | BOONE | ||||
| HOLT | BUTLER | ||||
| IRON | CALDWELL | ||||
| JACKSON | CALLAWAY | ||||
| MACON | CARROLL | ||||
| MORGAN | CARTER | ||||
| PERRY | CASS | ||||
| PIKE | CEDAR | ||||
| PLATTE | CHRISTIAN | ||||
| SCOTT | CLAY | ||||
| SHANNON | CLINTON | ||||
| ST. CHARLES | COOPER | ||||
| ST. FRANCOIS | CRAWFORD | ||||
| ST. LOUIS | DADE | ||||
| STODDARD | DALLAS | ||||
| TEXAS | DAVIESS | ||||
| VERNON | DEKALB | ||||
| DENT | |||||
| DOUGLAS | |||||
| DUNKLIN | |||||
| FRANKLIN | |||||
| GASCONADE | |||||
| GENTRY | |||||
| GREENE | |||||
| GRUNDY | |||||
| HARRISON | |||||
| HENRY | |||||
| HICKORY | |||||
| HOWARD | |||||
| HOWELL | |||||
| JASPER | |||||
| JEFFERSON | |||||
| JOHNSON | |||||
| KNOX | |||||
| LACLEDE | |||||
| LAFAYETTE | |||||
| LAWRENCE | |||||
| LEWIS | |||||
| LINCOLN | |||||
| LINN | |||||
| LIVINGSTON | |||||
| MADISON | |||||
| MARIES | |||||
| MARION | |||||
| MCDONALD | |||||
| MERCER | |||||
| MILLER | |||||
| MISSISSIPPI | |||||
| MONITEAU | |||||
| MONROE | |||||
| MONTGOMERY | |||||
| NEW MADRID | |||||
| NEWTON | |||||
| NODAWAY | |||||
| OREGON | |||||
| OSAGE | |||||
| OZARK | |||||
| PEMISCOT | |||||
| PETTIS | |||||
| POLK | |||||
| PULASKI | |||||
| PUTNAM | |||||
| RALLS | |||||
| RANDOLPH | |||||
| RAY | |||||
| REYNOLDS | |||||
| RIPLEY | |||||
| SALINE | |||||
| SCHUYLER | |||||
| SCOTLAND | |||||
| SHELBY | |||||
| ST. CLAIR | |||||
| STE. GENEVIEVE | |||||
| STONE | |||||
| SULLIVAN | |||||
| TANEY | |||||
| WARREN | |||||
| WASHINGTON | |||||
| WAYNE | |||||
| WEBSTER | |||||
| WORTH | |||||
| WRIGHT |
References for distribution: 009 , 002 , 003 , 004 , 005 , 006 , 007 , 008 , 012 , 020 , 024 , 028 , 027
Des Moines R.
Wyaconda R.
South Fabius R.
Miss. R. from Des Moines R. to MO. R.; and North R.
North Fork from Headwaters to South Fork
South Fork from Headwaters to North Fork
Salt R.
Cuivre R.
Dardenne Creek
Miss. R. from St. Louis to River Aux Vases
Meramec R.
Big R.
Miss. R. from River Aux Vases to Ohio R.
Castor R. and Castor R. Diversion Channel
St. John's Ditch and Blue Ditch
St. Francis R. from Headwaters to Wappapello Dam
St. Francis R. from Wappapello Dam to Arkansas Border
Little R.
Mo. R. from Nishnabotna R. to Nodaway R.
Nodaway R.
Mo.R. from Nodaway to Kansas City
Platte R.
One Hundred and Two R.
Northwest Corner of Jackson County
Grand R. from Shoal Creek to MO. R.
Chariton R. from Headwaters to Shuteye Creek
Chariton R. from Shuteye Creek to Mo. R.
Little Chariton R.
Little Osage R.
Marmaton R.
Osage R. from Headwaters to Warsaw, MO.
Sac R.
Pomme De Terre R.
South Grand R.
Osage R. from Warsaw to Bagnell Dam
Niangua R.
Osage R. from Bagnell Dam to Mo. R.
Gasconade R. from Headwaters to Big Piney R.
Big Piney R.
Mo. R. from Kansas City to Little Chariton R.
Mo. R. from Little Chariton R. to Gasconade R.
Lamine R.
Mo. R. from Gasconade R. to Miss. R.
Black R.
Current R.
Eleven Point R.
Comments: "Likely to occur in units listed, based on county occurrence."
Central Till Plains, Mississippi River Alluvial Plains, Osage Plains, Ozark Highlands
Comments: ""
Bluestem Prairie/Oak Hickory Forest
Oak-Hickory Forest
Oak-Hickory-Pine Forest
Southern Floodplain Forest
Glaciated Plains
Glaciated Plains: Western
Glaciated Plains: Grand River
Glaciated Plains: Eastern
Glaciated Plains: Lincoln Hills
Big Rivers
Big Rivers: Upper Missouri
Big Rivers: Lower Missouri
Big Rivers: Upper Mississippi
Big Rivers: Lower Mississippi
Ozark Border
Ozark Border: Missouri River
Ozark Border: Mississippi River
Ozark
Ozark: Springfield Plateau
Ozark: Upper Ozark
Ozark: St. Francois Mountains
Ozark: Elk River
Ozark: White River
Ozark: Lower Ozark
Mississippi Lowlands
Mississippi Lowlands: Crowley's Ridge
Mississippi Lowlands: Lowlands
Osage Plains
Species is associated with "Terrestrial" habitats.
Palustrine
"Palustrine", "Emergent, persistent",
"Palustrine", "Emergent, persistent",
"Palustrine", "Emergent, persistent",
"Palustrine", "Scrub/shrub, broad-leaved deciduous"
References for Aquatic Associations: 013 , 014 , 015 , 016 , 017 , 018 , 026 , 032
Marsh
References for Habitat Types: 010
Wetland
Marshes
Freshwater Marsh
Pond Marsh
Ground Water Seepage
Fen
References for Terrestrial Natural Communities: 002 , 012 , 032
"Carnivore"
Comments for larval food habits:
""
References for larval food habits:
Lepidoptera (butterflies); Larva stage
Hemiptera (water bugs, water boatmen, stink bugs); Not Specified
Coleoptera (beetles); Not Specified
Diptera (flies, midges, mosquitos, gnats); Not Specified
Snails; Not Specified
Arachnids (spiders, ticks, mites, scorpions, daddy longlegs); Not Specified
Crustaceans; Not Specified
Orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets, mantids); Not Specified
Lepidoptera (butterflies); Adult Stage
Comments for Juvenile Food Habits:
""
References Juvenile Food Habits 013 , 014 , 015
Lepidoptera (butterflies); Larva stage
Hemiptera (water bugs, water boatmen, stink bugs); Not Specified
Coleoptera (beetles); Not Specified
Diptera (flies, midges, mosquitos, gnats); Not Specified
Hymenoptera (sawflies, ants, wasps, bees); Not Specified
Aquatic Insects; Not Specified
Terrestrial Insects; Not Specified
Snails; Not Specified
Arachnids (spiders, ticks, mites, scorpions, daddy longlegs); Not Specified
Crustaceans; Not Specified
Insects
Insects; Not Specified
Orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets, mantids); Not Specified
Lepidoptera (butterflies); Adult Stage
Comments for Adult Food Habits:
""
References Adult Food Habits 013 , 014 , 015
References for egg niches requirements:
References for feeding larvae niche requirements:
References for resting Larvae niche requirements:
Aquatic vegetation: cattail (Typha)
Aquatic vegetation: sedge (Carex)
Density of aquatic vegetation: moderate
Inland wetlands: marsh
References for feeding juvenile niche requirements: 014 , 017
Aquatic vegetation: cattail (Typha)
Aquatic vegetation: sedge (Carex)
Inland wetlands: marsh
References for resting juvenile niche requirements: 014 , 017
Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
Aquatic vegetation: cattail (Typha)
Aquatic vegetation: bulrush (Scirpus)
Aquatic vegetation: sedge (Carex)
Aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00120)
Height of aquatic/emergent vegetation specified in comments(00125)
Density of aquatic vegetation: moderate
Density of aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00130)
Water level: semipermanently flooded
Water level: seasonally flooded
Floodplain specified in comments(00220)
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Inland wetlands: marsh
Inland wetlands: fen
References for feeding Adult niche requirements: 013 , 014 , 015 , 016 , 017 , 023 , 030 , 032
Aquatic vegetation: cattail (Typha)
Aquatic vegetation: sedge (Carex)
Density of aquatic vegetation: moderate
Floodplain wetlands: remnant wetlands
Floodplain wetlands: farmed temporary
Inland wetlands: marsh
References for feeding adult niche requirements: 014 , 017 , 031
Aquatic vegetation: cattail (Typha)
Aquatic vegetation: sedge (Carex)
Density of aquatic vegetation: moderate
Floodplain wetlands: remnant wetlands
Floodplain wetlands: farmed temporary
Inland wetlands: marsh
References for resting adult niche requirements: 014 , 017
Aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00120)
Aquatic vegetation: bulrush (Scirpus)
Aquatic vegetation: cattail (Typha)
Aquatic vegetation: sedge (Carex)
Density of aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00130)
Density of aquatic vegetation: moderate
Floodplain specified in comments(00220)
Floodplain wetlands: farmed temporary
Floodplain wetlands: remnant wetlands
Height of aquatic/emergent vegetation specified in comments(00125)
Inland wetlands: fen
Inland wetlands: marsh
Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Water level: seasonally flooded
Water level: semipermanently flooded
| Code | Comment |
|---|---|
| 007 | Egg dates for Kansas May-August *21* |
| 008 | Polygynous when inhabiting territory with sufficient food source and proper vegetation *22*. |
| 014 | Nest height 1-1.5 meters *15*, average nest height 40 centimeters *16*, may range from 15.2-61.0 centimeters during early growing season and reach 6' after vegetation has reached maximum growth *14,17* |
| 015 | Nest materials include sedges *14* |
| 017 | Incubation period 13 days *21*. |
| 005 | Forage over water, usually near water surface on stems and leaves of cattails *14*. |
| 016 | Nest is an ellipsoide dome about 7" high by 5" across *17*. |
| 018 | Clutch size 5-10 eggs *13,18*, 3-5 eggs *15*, 3-7 eggs *21*. |
| 035 | In one study, 68% of unsuccessful nests were lost to predators *23* |
| 099 | May select nest habitat to increase nest success *23* |
Regulatory factors specified in comments(035)
Other life history information specified in comments(099)
Origin in state: native
Seasonal distribution in state: all seasons
Foraging strategy: gleaning
Foraging strategy: probing
Foraging sites specified in comments(005)
Breeding season specified in comments(007)
Mating system: monogamy
Mating system: polygyny
Mating system specified in comments(008)
Display site: perch
Nest/den site: emergent aquatic vegetation
Nest/den site: rushes and cattails
Nest height specified in comments(014)
Nest materials: grasses
Nest materials: vegetative down
Nest materials: hair or feathers
Nest materials: rootlets
Nest materials specified in comments(015)
Nest dimensions specified in comments(016)
Gestation/incubation period specified in comments(017)
Clutch/litter size specified in comments(018)
Development of young at birth/hatching: altricial
Parental care of young: both parents
Territoriality: defends entire breeding, feeding, and nesting territory
| Code | Comment |
|---|---|
| 007 | Egg dates for Kansas May-August *21* |
| 008 | Polygynous when inhabiting territory with sufficient food source and proper vegetation *22*. |
| 014 | Nest height 1-1.5 meters *15*, average nest height 40 centimeters *16*, may range from 15.2-61.0 centimeters during early growing season and reach 6' after vegetation has reached maximum growth *14,17* |
| 015 | Nest materials include sedges *14* |
| 017 | Incubation period 13 days *21*. |
| 005 | Forage over water, usually near water surface on stems and leaves of cattails *14*. |
| 016 | Nest is an ellipsoide dome about 7" high by 5" across *17*. |
| 018 | Clutch size 5-10 eggs *13,18*, 3-5 eggs *15*, 3-7 eggs *21*. |
| 035 | In one study, 68% of unsuccessful nests were lost to predators *23* |
| 099 | May select nest habitat to increase nest success *23* |
References for life history: 013 , 014 , 015 , 016 , 017 , 018 , 023
Water - develop/maintain lakes/ponds
Water - develop/maintain wetlands
Water - develop/maintain freshwater marsh
Water - control sedimentation
Water - control pollution (thermal, physical, chemical)
Water - control water levels
Water - exclude livestock from water
Beneficial Management References: 002
Water - application of herbicides
Water - application of pesticides
Water - application of insecticides
Water - dredging and filling
Water - control aquatic plants
Water - navigational improvements (channelization, dams, locks)
Water - burning marshes or wetlands
Water - develop/maintain mudflats
Water - drainage of wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes
Adverse Management References: 002
Comments on Management:
References for Management Comments:
| Reference Code | Citation |
|---|---|
| 001 | American Ornithologists Union. 1957. Checklist Of North American Birds, 5th Ed. Lord Baltimore Press. Baltimore, Md. 691 Pp. |
| 002 | Unpb Wilson,J.D.1981.Missouri Department Of Conservation. P.O. Box 180 Jefferson City,Mo. 65102. (573-751-4115) |
| 003 | Birds Of Squaw Creek National Wildife Refuge. 1975. U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service. Rf-663560-2. |
| 004 | Heye, P.L. 1975. A Preliminary List Of The Birds Of The Cape Girardeau, Missouri Area. S.E. Mo State Univ., Cape Girardeau, Mo. |
| 005 | Welcome To Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge. U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge Pamphlet. |
| 006 | Kleen, V.M. 1974. The Changing Seasons - Middlewestern Prairie Region. Amer. Birds 28(5):908-911. |
| 007 | Rowlett, R.A. 1969. Notes On Annual Meeting. Bluebird 36(3):2. |
| 008 | Comfort, J. 1974. Annual Meeting 1974. Bluebird 41(4):3. |
| 009 | Anderson, D. 1974. Summer Survey. Bluebird 41(4): 6-7. |
| 010 | Kelly, G. (Ed.) 1986. Animal Habitat Relations Handbook. Mo Dept. Of Conservation and U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Jefferson City, Mo. 293 Pp. |
| 011 | Thom, R.H. and J.H. Wilson. 1980 The Natural Divisions Of Missouri. Trans. Mo Acad. Sci. 14:9-24. |
| 012 | Unpb Rathert,J.1981.Missouri Department Of Conservation.1110 S. College Ave.,Columbia,Mo. 65201. (573-882-9880) |
| 013 | Forbush, E.H. 1929. Birds Of Massachusetts And Other New England States, Part 3. Land Birds From Sparrows To Thrushes. Norwood Press. Norwood, Ma. 466pp. |
| 014 | Welter,W.A.1935.The Natural History Of The Long-Billed Marsh Wren. Wilson Bull. 47:3-34. |
| 015 | Kale,H.W.,Ii. 1965.Ecology And Bioenergetics Of The Long-Billed Marsh Wren In Georgia Salt Marshes.Publications Of The Nutall Ornithological Club No.5 Cambridge,Massachusetts. |
| 016 | Stewart, R.E.1975.Breeding Birds Of North Dakota.Tri-Coll. Cent. Environ. Stud.,Fargo,N.D. 202 Pp. |
| 017 | Verner,J.1965.Breeding Biology Of The Long-Billed Marsh Wren.Condor 67(1):6-30. |
| 018 | Bent, A.C. 1948. Life Histories Of North American Nuthatches, Wrens, Thrashers, and Allies. U.S. Nat. Mus. Bull. No. 195. 475 Pp. |
| 019 | The Wildlife Code of Missouri. Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102. 573-751-4115. |
| 020 | Anderson, D. 1972. Fall Survey.Bluebird 39(1):6. |
| 021 | Johnsgard, P.A. 1979. Birds Of The Great Plains. Univ. Of Nebraska Press, Lincoln, Nebr. 539 Pp. |
| 022 | Verner,J. and G.H.Engelsen.1970.Territories,Multiple Nesting,And Polygyny In The Long-Billed Marsh Wren.Auk 87:557-567. |
| 023 | Leonard, M.L. and J.Picman. 1987. Nesting Mortality And Habitat Selection By Marsh Wrens. Auk 104:491-495. |
| 024 | Unpb Wilson, J.D. and B. Jacobs. 1988. The Distribution And Breeding Status Of The Birds Of Missouri (Preliminary Report). Mo Dept. Of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102. |
| 025 | The Checklist Of Rare And Endangered Species Of Missouri. 1991. Mo Dept. Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. 44 Pp. |
| 026 | Gates, R.J. and A. Woolf. 1992. Ecology Of Waterfowl In Northeastern Illinois. Il Dept. Of Conservation. Final Report. Project W-102-R(Si). 206 Pp. |
| 027 | Easterla, D.A., M.B. Robbins and R.A. Anderson. 1992. Annotated Check-List Of Missouri Birds. The Audubon Society Of Missouri. |
| 028 | Jacobs, B. and J.D. Wilson. 1997. Missouri Breeding Bird Atlas 1986-1992. Mo Dept. Of Conservation. Natural History Series No. 6. Jefferson City, Mo. 430 Pp. |
| 029 | Missouri Natural Heritage Program. 2007. Missouri Species and Communities of Conservation Concern Checklist. Missouri Department Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Missouri. 51 Pp. |
| 030 | Unpb Ehrhardt, E. 1996. Abundance And Distribution Of Waterbirds On Three Habitats Of Missouri River Floodplain Following A Major Flood. M.S. Thesis, Univ. Of Missouri-Columbia. 126 Pp. |
| 031 | Humburg, D.D., K. Bataille, D.L. Helmers and D.A. Brunet. 1999. Wetland Ecology Studies In The Missouri River Floodplain: Evaluation Of Seasonal Habitat Use By Waterbirds On The Missouri River Floodplain. Mo Dept. Conserv. Final Rept. Proj. W-13-R-53, Study 18, Job 4. 130 Pp. |
| 032 | Kantrud, H.A. and R.E. Stewart. 1984. Ecological Distribution And Crude Density Of Breeding Birds On Prairie Wetlands. J. Wildl. Manage. 48(2):426-437. |