618 HISTORY OF THE 



the Atlantic coast. Westward, it ranges to the Great Plains, 

 and north to Manitoba, wintering in great numbers in the Gulf 

 States and southward. In the Koshkonong and Horicon 

 marshes, and on the swampj borders of the Menomenee and 

 Rock Rivers, in Wisconsin, this Wren is very common; but, as it 

 is a shy bird, and difficult to approach, comparatively few per- 

 sons are acquainted with it. It always loves to take up its 

 abode in the seclusion of the swamps and marshes, where it is 

 found usually in pairs, and not in colonies, like the long-billed 

 species. In marsh places, partly covered with a growth of 

 scrubby willows, in swamps, where the beautiful Red-winged 

 Blackbird and Gallinules are its neighbors, and in low, grassy 

 meadows, adorned with gorgeous Canada and meadow lilies, 

 where the tinkling, mellow strains of the Bobolink float down 

 from above, I have met with this nimble little Wren frequently. 

 Here, also, in the balmy month of June, its song — if song it can 

 be called — may be heard. The notes are very lively, and 

 quaint, consisting of a number of soft and melodious sounds, 

 blended frequently with harsh, wiry tones. Being very assidu- 

 ous, the little songster makes up in quantity of song wliat it 

 lacks in quality. But could we expect anything different from 

 a bird which inhabits localities where the bullfrog incessantly 

 sends forth its discordant croaks throughout the entire spring- 

 time; where the cricket's croon is the farewell of summer, as the 

 trill of the toad is the prelude to spring? The strain is very 

 similar to that of the Long-billed species, but not so loud, and 

 more varied. Both birds are very diligent songsters, delivering 

 their melodies usually from the top of a tuft of reeds, or bull- 

 rushes. When the bird is approached too near, the song closes 

 with a harsh and scolding utterance; then the singer glides 

 down in the tangled masses of reeds, where it disappears with 

 celerity, and considerable exertion is required to drive him from 

 the dense vegetation. 



"Evidently our bird is far more numerous than is generally 

 supposed, but its living in secluded localities and its modest 

 color causes it to be overlooked by most people. Only the true 

 friend of nature, who is accustomed to ramble about through 



