\Wren\ (r[e^]n), n. [OE. wrenne, AS. wrenna, wr[ae]nna,
perhaps akin to wr[=ae]ne lascivious.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of small singing
   birds belonging to {Troglodytes} and numerous allied of
   the family {Troglodytid[ae]}.

Note: Among the species best known are the house wren
      ({Troglodytes a["e]don}) common in both Europe and
      America, and the American winter wren ({T. hiemalis}).
      See also {Cactus wren}, {Marsh wren}, and {Rock wren},
      under {Cactus}, {Marsh}, and {Rock}.

2. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of small singing
   birds more or less resembling the true wrens in size and
   habits.

Note: Among these are several species of European warblers;
      as, the reed wren (see {Reed warbler}
   (a), under {Reed}), the sedge wren (see {Sedge warbler},
       under {Sedge}), the willow wren (see {Willow warbler},
       under {Willow}), the golden-crested wren, and the
       ruby-crowned wren (see {Kinglet}).

{Ant wren}, any one of numerous South American birds of the
   family {Formicarid[ae]}, allied to the ant thrushes.

{Blue wren}, a small Australian singing bird ({Malurus
   cyaneus}), the male of which in the breeding season is
   bright blue. Called also {superb warbler}.

{Emu wren}. See in the Vocabulary.

{Wren babbler}, any one of numerous species of small timaline
   birds belonging to {Alcippe}, {Stachyris}, {Timalia}, and
   several allied genera. These birds are common in Southern
   Asia and the East Indies.

{Wren tit}. See {Ground wren}, under {Ground}.

{Wren warbler}, any one of several species of small Asiatic
   and African singing birds belonging to {Prinia} and allied
   genera. These birds are closely allied to the tailor
   birds, and build their nests in a similar manner. See also
   {Pincpinc}.