WRENS. 519 
of the cold and temperate regions of the earth, where, among the 
twigs, with great agility it searches for insects, on which it feeds. 
While thus occupied it emits a single shrill feeble note, too often 
accepted by heartless boys as a tell-tale of its whereabouts. 
The Fire-crested Wren (fegulus ignicapillus, Fig. 229) so much 
Fig. 229.—Fire-crested Wrens. 
resembles the last-mentioned that they are frequently confused. 
However, it is much rarer and of more brilliant plumage. 
The Common Wren (7Z7oglodytes vulgaris, Fig. 230) is widely dif- 
fused over Europe, from the Baltic to the southern parts of Italy, and 
from Trebizond to the west coast of Ireland. Like the Robin, it has 
become, in a sense, a sacred bird, and very few will harm the familar 
little creature. Its nest is found in all kinds of situations; a favourite 
one being under the turfed summit of a stone wall skirting a brook, 
