Family Sittidae
Red-breasted Nuthatch Sitta canadensis
Mid-September - Early May
Status and abundance: Uncommon migrant and winter resident, usually harder to find in the Till Plain and Floodplains than in the Shawnee Hills.
Habitat: Coniferous trees. Sometimes found in deciduous woodland during migration.
Records and remarks: An irruptive species, Red-breasted Nuthatches are very common in some years and very uncommon to nearly absent in others. They tend to prefer larger tracts of conifers with lots of cones. Given the rarity of native pines in the region, they may have been historically rare migrants and winter residents. They often join mixed-species flocks of kinglets, chickadees, creepers, and Yellow-rumped Warblers, and will sometimes visit feeders for sunflower seeds and peanut butter.
AUTUMN—Most early arrival dates in the last half of September, but occasionally some arrive in late August. Departure dates of migrants are not known because of the presence of the wintering population.
1, near Cobden, Union Co., 31 Aug 1965 (WGG)
1, Pomona, 14 Sep 2016 (RR)
15, Crab Orchard NWR, 8 Nov 1986 (WDR)
WINTER—Daily counts are usually small except in invasion years when it is possible to find 10 to 25 in excellent habitat with a full day of effort.
SPRING—The beginning of spring migration is obscured by the presence of the wintering population, but some have been seen in deciduous woods during mid-April, which is probably indicative of active migration. Most Red-breasted Nuthatches have departed by the first week of May.
6, Crab Orchard NWR, 5 May 1984 (JCR)
1, Carbondale, 18 May 2014 (JT)
SUMMER—There is one hypothetical breeding record. A pair were possibly feeding young at Old Dillinger Cemetery near Desoto, Jackson Co., on 14 Jul 1989. Apparently no photos were taken.
Documentation: Specimen—imm., 2 miles n. of Cobden, Union Co., 21 Sep 1965 (SIU A-1347).
White-breasted Nuthatch Sitta carolinensis
Status and abundance: Common year-round resident.
Habitat: Deciduous woodlands, where it seems to be more numerous in upland than bottomland woods.
Records and remarks: Nuthatches forage in mixed-species flocks during fall and winter with chickadees, titmice, woodpeckers, kinglets, and creepers. They are usually found in pairs, even in winter. They readily visit feeders for sunflower, corn, or suet. The highest population densities are in forest, but they also occur in towns where large trees are present. There is no evidence of migration. Typical daily high counts range from 10 to 40.
SUMMER—Most nests are placed in cavities formed by knotholes, although they sometimes build in nest boxes. Breeding begins early in spring. Courtship feeding has been seen from mid-February through April. Nuthatches are often secretive during the breeding season. Fledglings appear by late May, and family groups are common during June.
WINTER—Nuthatches are conspicuous components of forest bird communities during winter, being much more vocal at this season than during summer.
Documentation: Specimen—ad. male, Bald Knob, Union Co., 9 Apr 1966 (SIU A-1338).
Family Certhiidae
Brown Creeper Certhia americana
Early October - Mid-April
Status and abundance: Fairly common migrant and winter resident in Shawnee Hills and Floodplains. Uncommon migrant and winter resident in Till Plain. Occasional summer visitor. Rare summer resident.
Habitat: Mature deciduous and coniferous woodlands. Summer visitors are typically found in mature bottomland forests. Migrants sometimes occur in hedgerows and towns where large trees are present.
Records and remarks: Brown Creepers glean insects and spiders from small crevices in bark while spiraling up tree trunks. They often associate with mixed-species flocks of forest birds, especially during winter. They are inconspicuous and can easily be overlooked. Their call note sounds similar to Golden-crowned Kinglet. The song is distinctive (Trees, trees, pretty trees), yet weak and so it does not carry far. Typical daily high counts from fall through spring are less than 10.
AUTUMN—In most years, the first fall arrivals appear with the first cold front in October, but some may arrive considerably earlier. August records could possibly involve birds that spent the summer here. It is usually difficult to separate fall migrants from wintering birds, so fall departure dates are unclear.
female, Union Co., 20 Aug 1968 (WGG)
1, Horseshoe Lake CA, 31 Aug 1967 (J. Haw)
WINTER—Daily high counts are usually 6-10 birds, fewer in the Till Plain.
SPRING—The beginning of northward migration is obscured by the winter population. A pulse of migrants appears mid- to late March. Most migrants are gone by mid-April, but a few linger later, and some may be breed.
SUMMER—At present, there is only one confirmed breeding record, but the numerous summer records strongly suggest that there is a small breeding population. An adult was seen carrying food to a nest behind a piece of elm bark 12 feet above the ground at Union County CA on 4 Jun 1982 (P. Kittle). Creepers are encountered in appropriate breeding habitat nearly annually now.
pair caught in mist net (female with brood patch), Crab Orchard NWR, 4 Jun 1970 (VK)
4, Heron Pond, 7 Jun 2004 (A. Spencer)
4, Horseshoe Lake CA, 9 June 1969 (J. Haw)
pair, Crab Orchard NWR, 13 Jun 1976 (BP)
4, Little Black Slough, Johnson Co., 24 Jul 1992 (TF)
1, Horseshoe Lake CA, 11 Aug 1907 (Ferry 1907)
Documentation: Specimen—ad. female, Bald Knob, Union Co., 21 Mar 1966 (SIU A-1339).
Family Troglodytidae
Rock Wren Salpinctes obsoletus
Status and abundance: Very rare visitor.
Records and remarks: Two documented occurrences of Rock Wrens in southern Illinois: 1, near Olive Branch, Alexander Co., 30 Dec 1974 – 28 Jan 1975 (VK, m.ob.) and 1, Crab Orchard NWR, 14 Jan – 6 Mar 1993 (BD). The former record was found in an area of burned tree stumps, whereas the latter was along the rocky riprap on the Crab Orchard Lake dam. In their usual range in western North America, Rock Wrens utilize rocky outcrops as well as rock quarries. They will respond to playbacks of their songs and calls, even during winter.
Documentation: Photograph—1, Crab Orchard NWR, 25 Jan 1993 (Robinson 1996: 219)
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Early April – Late October
Status and abundance: Common migrant. Common to uncommon summer resident. Rare winter resident, apparently increasing in occurrence.
Habitat: Thickets and woodland edge during migration and winter. Most summer residents occur in residential areas or in riparian woodland, especially those with willows and cottonwoods.
Records and remarks: House Wrens are conspicuous birds, not because of their coloration, but because of their songs, which are sung at any time of day, and their scolding calls.
SPRING—First arrivals appear in early April. Departure dates are obscured by the breeding population being present, but most migrants have probably departed by mid-May. Daily high counts are usually less than 30 birds.
1, Knight Hawk Strip Mine, Jackson Co., 18 Mar 2016 (HD)
1, Crab Orchard NWR, 27 Mar 2008 (B. Tollefson)
1, Carterville, 6 Apr 1986 (WDR)
SUMMER—Breeding activity begins soon after spring arrival. Eggs have been found from early May to early August. Wrens nest in natural cavities and in artificial structures, such as nest boxes and buildings.
AUTUMN—Southward migration begins by late August and is quite protracted, extending into late October, with stragglers lingering into early winter.
WINTER—House Wrens are often found in dense hedgerows, brush piles, sometimes near water, during winter. Normally not present during winter, but in some years many either linger late after fall migration or attempt to spend the winter. Ten on the Horseshoe Lake CBC, 20 Dec 1994, was a very high number.
3, Mermet, 31 Dec 2005 (KM, RR)
1, near Rockwood, Jackson Co., 31 Dec 2015 (T. Wolff)
1, south of Murphysboro, 1 Jan 2016 (T. Wolff)
1, Energy, Williamson Co., 4 Feb 1983 (JCR)
1, Crab Orchard NWR, 4 Feb 2012 (TH)
1, Oakwood Bottoms, 8 Mar 1975 (BP)
Documentation: Specimen—ad., Crab Orchard NWR, Williamson Co., 25 Apr 1961 (SIU-A-1201).
Winter Wren Troglodytes hiemalis
Early October – Late April
Status and abundance: Fairly common migrant. Uncommon winter resident.
Habitat: Brushy, wet areas of bottomland forest, coniferous woodland, and along streams of upland forest.
Records and remarks: Winter Wrens can be found along overhanging creek banks, crevices of moss-covered logs on the forest floor, and along woodland bluffs. The distinctive double-noted call usually reveals its presence. They rarely sing in southern Illinois.
AUTUMN—Although a few arrive during September, they normally appear after the first strong cold front in October. Fall migration peaks in late October and early November.
1, Rend Lake, 20 Sep 1985 (KM)
1, Evergreen Park, Carbondale, 25 Sep 2011 (WDR)
WINTER—Daily high counts in excellent habitat normally range from 4 to 10 birds.
15, Little Black Slough, 20 Dec 2004 (SB)
21, Alexander Co., 28 Dec 2008 (SB, PM)
SPRING—Initiation of spring migration is difficult to detect because wintering birds are present. An influx of new arrivals seems to appear in early to mid-March. Although they rarely sing in southern Illinois, the best chance to hear them is in late March and early April. Most have departed by mid-April.
4, Crab Orchard NWR, 24 Apr 1984 (JCR)
1, Fort Massac SP, 25 Apr 2015 (KM)
1, Ferne Clyffe SP, 27 Apr 2014 (J. Smith, m.ob.)
Documentation: Specimen—ad. male, LaRue Pine Hills, Union Co., 2 Apr 1966 (SIU A-1340).
Sedge Wren Cistothorus platensis
Late April – Mid-May
Mid-July – Late October
Status and abundance: Occasional spring migrant. Uncommon fall migrant. Locally uncommon summer visitor and rare summer resident. Rare winter visitor.
Habitat: Dense sedge meadows and wet weedy fields.
Records and remarks: Slowly, over time, the phenology of this wren has apparently been worked out. A few birds arrive during April and May on their way north to breed. Then, after a breeding attempt farther north, some migrate south to breed again. They usually arrive in southern Illinois in the middle of summer (about mid-July) for this second breeding attempt. Yet, their nests are small, well hidden, and difficult to find, so we have few records of confirmed breeding.
SPRING—1, Pulaski Co., 16 Apr 2000 (KM)
1, Grassy Lake, Union Co., 19 Apr 2010 (KM, MS)
4, Grassy Slough, Johnson Co., 27 Apr 2006 (SB, SD)
1, Oakwood Bottoms, 16 May 1999 (RR)
SUMMER—3, Union Co. CA, 30 Jun 2015 (JT)
8, Rend Lake, 18 Aug 2002 (FB)
AUTUMN—Fall migration is usually in process by early September and can extend well into the winter months, although most are gone by end of October.
23, West Frankfort, 5 Oct 1994 (LS)
1, Rend Lake, 27 Nov 1997 (LS)
WINTER—A few are detected on the southernmost CBCs, but not every year.
1, Union Co. CA, 30 Dec 2005 and 2006, and 30 Dec 2009 (SB)
1, Easter Slough, Pulaski Co., 28 Feb 2004 (TM, KM)
Documentation: Photograph—Ward Branch, Rend Lake, Jefferson Co., 27 Aug 1987 (SIU AP-88).
Marsh Wren Cistothorus palustris
Early April – Early May
Late September – Early November
Status and abundance: Uncommon migrant. Rare winter visitor. Very rare summer visitor.
Habitat: Cattail marshes, wet grassy meadows, and, occasionally, Phragmites marshes.
Records and remarks: Marsh Wrens can be difficult to see but their mechanical trilling song and distinctive call note reveal their presence. They also respond to pishing noises.
SPRING—Sometimes difficult to find, but sufficient effort in the right habitats can turn up a few. Typical daily high counts are less than 5.
1, Mermet Lake, 3 Mar 2016 (DM)
1, Rend Lake, Franklin Co., 4 Mar 2012 (WDR)
1, Crab Orchard NWR, 10 Mar 2012 (TH)
1, Cache River SNA, 22 Mar 2017 (KRo)
5, Mermet Lake, 4 May 2005 (KM)
1, Gallatin Co., 7 May 1994 (R. Bradley)
SUMMER—Nearly unknown in the region during summer. Observers are encouraged to archive photos or voice recordings in eBird.
2, Crainville, 5 Jun 2013 (W. Wood)
AUTUMN—Most fall migrants arriving during the second half of September. Marsh Wrens seem to be more numerous during fall than spring. Last departures normally occur in late October but a few linger later, even into early winter.
WINTER—A few linger into winter but little intentional effort has been made to determine if many of these birds stay until spring. With sufficient effort, at least a few can be found each winter, particularly if temperatures are mild. Some records:
2, Arklands, 27 Dec 2007 (DK)
6, Wolf Lake, 29 Dec 2008 (SB, PM)
5, Union Co. CA, 29 Dec 2011 (SB, PM)
1, Oakwood Bottoms, 1 Jan – 2 Feb 2017 (T. Wolff, DM, m.ob.)
1, Pyramid SP, 20 Feb 2017 (KM)
Documentation: Photograph—1, Sexton Creek Wetlands, Alexander Co., 14 Nov 2015 (https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S25829507).
Carolina Wren Thryothorus ludovicianus
Status and abundance: Common year-round resident.
Habitat: Most numerous in bottomland woods, but also common in upland forest and residential areas, especially where the shrub layer is dense and where brush piles or treefalls are present.
Records and remarks: Carolina Wrens are loud denizens of southern Illinois woodlands. They readily nest near humans, sometimes building their stick nests in potted plants, inside barns, abandoned vehicles and any other confined space. Although hardy birds, severely cold winters with snow and ice cover that last for more than a couple of weeks causes mortality. It may take a few years for populations to rebound after such insults.
Nest-building begins by mid-March and the first eggs are laid in late March or early April. Wrens may be triple-brooded in the region, which helps them recover after winter mortality events. Breeding populations may be especially high in recently selectively logged forest because of the abundant slash piles, which make excellent foraging and nesting sites. Typical high counts range from 40 to 70 birds.
Documentation: Specimen—ad. female, Carbondale, Jackson Co., 9 Apr 1956 (SIU A-237).
Bewick’s Wren Thryomanes bewickii
Status and abundance: Rare migrant and summer resident. Very rare winter resident.
Habitat: Brushy areas near clearings and streams.
Records and remarks: Continuing to decline. Apparently formerly common in towns and around farms from the late 1800s (Ridgway 1889) into the early 1900s. By the 1940s and 1950s, they had noticeably decreased. Some reports recently are of misidentified Carolina Wrens. Observers are encouraged to archive photos and sound recordings in eBird to substantiate reports. The hypothesis that Bewick’s Wrens declined because of competition with House Wrens is unsupported by empirical data. Given the widespread decline of Eastern Bewick’s Wrens across a formerly very large geographic range, an equally valid hypothesis, also as yet untested, is that some pathogen led to their decline.
SPRING—Migrants occur from late March into mid-May. Spring migrants rarely stay at a site for more than a day.
1, near Carbondale, 23 Mar 1972 (D. Hayward)
1, Sparta, 28-29 Mar 1998 (TD)
2, Giant City SP, 17 Apr 1988 (WDR)
1, se. Jackson Co., 18 Apr 1981 (WDR)
1, Ozark, Johnson Co., 29 Apr 1990 (TF)
1, se., Jackson Co., 21 May 1989 (WDR)
SUMMER—If breeding occurs, its timing can overlap with on-going spring migration.
Nest, Ferne Clyffe SP, 15 May 1973 (VK)
1, McLeansboro, Hamilton Co., 20 May-3 Jun 2015 (A. Sigler, MS, m.ob.)
1, Pulaski Co., 31 May 1959 (D. Davis)
pair nested twice, Marion, May-Jun 1987 (V. Blakely, WDR, m.ob.)
Six additional summer records in Robinson (1996).
AUTUMN—Bewick’s Wrens seem to just disappear after breeding. Few fall records.
1, Pope Co., 10 Sep 1991 (TF)
WINTER—A few formerly over-wintered. Now essentially absent during winter.
1 at feeder near Carbondale, 27 Nov 1984 – 31 Jan 1985 (S. Stroyls).
Documentation: Photograph—1, Carbondale, Jackson Co., 12 Jan 1985 (SIU AP-90).
Family Polioptilidae
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea
Late March – Late September
Status and abundance: Common spring migrant and summer resident. Uncommon fall migrant. Very rare winter visitor.
Habitat: Deciduous forest and woodland edges, usually near water; especially common in bottomland forests.
Records and remarks: Blue-gray Gnatcatchers are tiny birds that actively forage for insects by flushing them with a quick flick of the tail then vigorously and acrobatically pursuing them. They spend most of their time in the middle to upper levels of forest so are more often heard than seen. Their weak call notes and songs do not carry far.
SPRING—First arrivals typically appear in the last week of March. Migration peaks during April and early May. Daily counts in excellent habitat with a full day of effort can exceed 100 birds.
1, New Columbia, Massac Co., 17 Mar 2012 (FB)
1, Cache River SNA, 23 Mar 2011 (MML)
2, Fort Massac SP, 26 Mar 2007 (KM)
SUMMER—Nest building begins during Apr and fledglings are out by mid-May. Gnatcatchers are regular hosts of brood parasitic cowbird eggs.
AUTUMN—Fall migration is hardly detectable as the breeding population seems to simply drift southward. Most gnatcatchers are gone by mid-Sep.
1, Crab Orchard NWR, 28 Sep 2016 (R. Paul)
1, near Etherton, Jackson Co., 4 Oct 2015 (R. Paul)
WINTER—1 was foraging in cedars in a cemetery, Rend Lake, Jefferson Co., 15-16 Dec 1990 (BD, WDR, TF, JD).
Documentation: Specimen—ad. male, Crab Orchard NWR, 4 Apr 1956 (SIU A-271).
Family Regulidae
Golden-crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa
Early October – Mid-April
Status and abundance: Common migrant and winter resident.
Habitat: Most common in coniferous woods, but also frequents deciduous forests, especially during migration.
Records and remarks: Kinglets are sociable birds that join mixed-species flocks of creepers, chickadees, titmice and warblers. They roam woodlands searching for insects and insect eggs. Their soft calls are similar to some calls of Brown Creeper and are so high in frequency that some people cannot hear them. Fortunately, they are very active and fairly easy to see.
AUTUMN—A few Golden-crowned Kinglets appear during September, but most do not arrive until after the first cold front arrives during October. Peak numbers pass through the region in late October and early November, but the pulse may not be particularly distinguishable from the arriving winter population. Daily counts may be in the 30 to 50 range.
2, Saline Co., 23 Sep 1987 (K. Phelps)
1, Rend Lake, Franklin Co., 2 Oct 2015 (JT)
WINTER—Kinglets are susceptible to the negative effects of severe winter weather. It remains unclear if they are killed by long stretches of severe cold or if they can quickly migrate south and avoid areas with bitter cold weather.
SPRING—Initiation of spring migration is difficult to detect because of the wintering population. A pulse in numbers during March probably includes migrants. Most Golden-crowned Kinglets are gone by 20 April.
20, Heron Pond, 20 Apr 2001 (KM)
1, Pomona, 28 Apr 1999 (WDR)
1, Massac Co., 7 May 1977 (D. Klem, m.ob.)
Documentation: Specimen—female, Carbondale, Jackson Co., 24 Oct 1975 (SIU A-1896).
Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula
Late September – Early May
Status and abundance: Common migrant. Fairly common winter resident in the Shawnee Hills and the Floodplains. Uncommon winter resident in the Till Plain.
Habitat: Woodland edge and coniferous and deciduous forest.
Records and remarks: Ruby-crowned Kinglets rarely show the ruby crown, but are easily recognized by their small size, gray body with white wing bars, and the whitish eye ring. Their song is one of the most distinctive and jubilant of early spring voices. They are encountered in small foraging flocks with other songbirds of woodland edge and also alone.
AUTUMN—Small numbers begin arriving during September but the majority appear during October. The migratory pulse is largely over by mid-November. Some late birds will attempt to over-winter. High counts during fall usually range from 10 to 20 birds.
1, Ferne Clyffe SP, 4 Sep 1988 (WDR)
1, near Kinkaid Lake, 12 Sep 2015 (DM)
WINTER—Numbers are higher early in winter than later, which suggests that many birds found during December may be continuing south as winter progresses. Seem to be found near water during winter. Highest daily counts during early winter can be similar to fall, but maxima are usually less than 10 during late January and February.
SPRING—The first spring arrivals are not often detected until last few days of March. On some mid-April days, kinglets can be very common, with high counts of 30 to 40 birds. Most have departed by 10 May.
57, LaRue Pine Hills, Union Co., 14 Apr 1990 (WDR)
1, Union Co., 17 May 1996 (DK, KM)
1, Heron Pond, 21 May 2015 (R. and M. Miller)
1, Giant City SP, 22 May 1975 (BP)
Documentation: Specimen—ad. male, Carbondale, Jackson Co., 5 May 1961 (SIU A-1113).