Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes)

At the beginning of spring, the male wren builds several nests, he then sings to attract females.  Once a female shows interest he takes her to his nests.  She will choose one and furnish it with moss and other soft material, before laying her eggs.

Whilst the female sits on her eggs, the male wren will sing again to attract another female.  Once a new female shows interest he will invite her to choose one of the remaining nests.  When the new female is sitting on her eggs the male sings again to attract a further mate.

When the first set of eggs are hatched, the male assist the female with feeding the young.  It is important that he ensures his ‘families’ do not hatch at the same time, so he can help with their upbringing.  In between his busy activities of feeding young and attending to his ‘wifes’ needs, he can be heard singing to attract further mates.