520 REPTILES AND BIRDS. 
or on the edge of a wood or shrubbery. It is an elegant structure, 
oval in form, and dome-shaped, with the entrance at the side, the 
materials varying with the locality ; but the lining generally is soft, 
downy feathers. 
The Willow Wren (Sylvia trochilus, Fig. 231) is a delicate, active 
little bird, pretty generally diffused. It is of retiring and unobtrusive 
manners, its favourite haunt being among the willows and osiers 
which skirt some sluggish stream. While flitting about in such 
Fig. 230.—The Common Wren 
localities it emits a small chirping noise ; but during the months of 
May and June it is often heard chanting a soft, mellow, and very 
pleasing song. In autumn great numbers of them may be seen 
gliding among the fruit-trees and bushes. Its colour is an olive green 
of deeper or less intensity, with canary-coloured breast, gradually 
becoming whiter as it reaches the stomach. It possesses a very 
sweet song, and is migratory. 
The Stone-chat (Pratincola rubicola, Fig. 232) has the head 
and throat black in the male, the breast brownish red, the sides of 
the neck white, a white spot on the wings, the upper parts brownish 
black, and the feathers edged with brownish red. In the female the 
