Marsh wren (Cistothorus palustris) The short billed marsh wren may arrive in some nesting areas as late as August. Its song is soft and almost insect-like. Its tail is cocked. The streak of black at the crown and back, and tan stripe over the eye, identify this shy wren. It can be found near wetland cattails, marsh grasses and sedge meadows. photo by Donald Waite, Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology