VERMONT BIKUS. 103 



8tkix pkatixcola, Boiiap. 

 TJie ScreecJt, or Barn Oid. 



This bird is very common in Vermont, and is often, by 

 its screeching noise, a terror, not only to boys, but to 

 men, especially to those who are not accustomed to hear- 

 ing them, should they happen near where they are perch- 

 ing in the night. The little Ijoy said "it made my hair 

 stand right up." It seems impossilde that so small l)ird 

 can make such a terrific noise ! It sounds as thouefh 

 it was that of some terrible wild beast. And this all the 

 Jiarm it does. 



Tkoglodytes aedox, Vieill. 

 TJie Hoiuse Wren. 



This bird is common in Vermont, as in other states. 

 One of its peculiarities is in l)nilding its nest ; its exterior 

 is made of sticks of enormous size, compared with the 

 size of the l)ird. By this means it secures a strong for- 

 tification against the intrusion of other birds, such as the 

 Blue Bird and ^Martin. This bird has been known to take 

 possession of a house built for the above named birds, 

 and so faught that it has defended itself and kept away 

 intruders as they approached and commenced removing 

 its fortifications. After it has Avon a victorv it will sing 

 its song most sweetly. It is very useful in destroying in- 

 sects to feed its young, which niunber from five to eight. 



TUKDUS MIGRATOKIUS, LiuU. 



TJie American Robin. 



This favorite bird is known to follow the plough api)a- 

 reutly as tame as the hen, plucking insects and worms as 

 they are exposed. It not only builds its nests in trees 

 and shrul)s near dwellings but on the beams and braces of 

 sheds, and under the eav es of houses. They have been 

 seen by Dr. Currier, in the coldest weather in midwinter, 

 in the very northern parts of the state, feeding on the 

 Ixnries of the Mountain Ash. 



