54 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS. 



The House Wren is well known for his familiar habits and his usefulness. They build in 

 boxes or houses prepared by man, laying from 6 to 9 reddish flesh-colored eggs, sprinkled 

 with grains of a deeper tint. It arrives in the southern part of this State towards the end of 

 April, and leaves us in September. It is stated in some works of authority, that this species 

 is found nearly as far south as the equator ; but as it has never been observed in the southern 

 States, it is supposed to pass round this region, in order to avoid the Great Carolina Wren. 

 The observation of Audubon (Synopsis, p. 75), appears more probable, namely, that it does 

 not extend beyond Maryland, where it winters. This opinion he has subsequently modified, 

 and supposes it to winter south of the United States. It has been observed as high as the 

 57th parallel, and across the continent to the Columbia river. 



THE WOOD WREN. 



Troglodytes americanus. 



T. americana. Aod. Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 452, and Vol. 5, p. 463. T. americanus, Id. B. of Am. Vol. 2, p. 123. 

 T. americanus, Wood Wren. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 74. 



Characteristics. Closely allied to the House Wren, but is larger, the bill more robust, and 

 tail-feathers much longer ; no light colored line over the eye. Length, 

 4*5 - 5 - inches. 



Description. Bill moderate, nearly straight, slightly declinate at the tip. Tarsus com- 

 pressed, with seven scutella? in front. Wings short ; second quill much shorter than the 

 third. Tail rather long, broad, graduated. 



Color. Above dark reddish brown (duller on the head), and indistinctly barred with dark 

 brown. Sides of the head, above the eye, with no light colored line. Edges of the outer 

 primaries light colored. Beneath pale brownish grey ; faintly barred on the foreneck, breast 

 and sides. Under tail-coverts distinctly barred. 



Length, 4*85. 



I am only acquainted with this species through the description of Mr. Audubon, who noticed 

 it in South-Carolina, Vermont and Maine. Mr. Giraud states that a few have been shot on 

 Long island in this State. It has probably been confounded with the House Wren, and has 

 thus been overlooked. 



