| The Eastern Marsh-Wren was originally named the Long-billed Marsh Wren, thus causing some confusion with the Short-billed Marsh Wren, which was changed to Sedge Wren at the same time that the former species had its common name shortened to Marsh Wren. However, in 2026, this species was again re-named, as the Eastern Marsh-Wren (see below). The Eastern Marsh-Wren breeds from coast to coast, but because it nests in naturally localized and uncommon habitats, it has evolved a number of subspecies; in 2026, former Western subspecies were split off as a new species -- the Western Marsh-Wren. The Eastern Marsh-Wren nests both in freshwater marshes to the north of North Carolina, but also in brackish marshes south to central Florida. Despite it nesting in freshwater marshes over much of its range, it has never done so in inland marshes in our state, staying close to tidal water in summer. In the breeding season in the state, Eastern Marsh-Wrens favor extensive brackish marshes, though they occur in fresh (actually very slightly brackish) marshes in the Currituck Sound area. In migration, it occurs statewide, and in winter it occurs over much of the Coastal Plain, and sparingly into the eastern and southern Piedmont (though actual overwintering there is uncertain).
In 2026, the AOS split the Marsh Wren into an Eastern-breeding species -- Eastern Marsh-Wren, retaining the original scientific name, and a Western-breeding species -- Western Marsh-Wren (Cistothorus paludicola). There are no NC records of the latter species. |
