64 WILLOW-WREN. 



some even to about 32" S. lat. in Kaffraria. It is not improbable 

 that a limited number pass the summer in suitable localities in 

 Northern Africa. 



The domed nest, loosely constructed of dry grass, and always 

 lined with feathers, is generally placed among long herbage on the 

 ground, but often at the foot of a bush, occasionally some feet 

 from the ground, or even in a hole in a wall. The shape of the 

 nest has procured for this species and its congeners the name of 

 " Oven-birds " ; while in many places the Willow-Wren is also 

 known as the " Hay-bird," from the dry materials employed, and 

 also from the fact that the nest is often found in the corner of a 

 hay-field. The eggs, 6-8, are white, blotched and speckled with 

 nmch lighter red than is the case with the eggs of the Chiffchaff, but 

 exceptionally they are pure white : average measurements '62 by 

 •46 in. The first brood is hatched about the end of May, a 

 second being generally produced in the season. The merry song of 

 the Willow-Wren, consisting of a few often-repeated notes, may be 

 heard during the season in every coppice ; and sometimes calls 

 attention in our Tondon parks to a begrimed songster which would 

 otherwise be almost unrecognizable. When the bird is aware that 

 its nest is approached, or when calling its young together, its usual 

 note is a plaintive 7i'///V, and at such times the greatest solicitude 

 and disregard of danger are displayed.- Its food consists almost 

 entirely of flies, aphides, and other insects ; but although its utility 

 to the gardener is undeniable, it must be allowed that it does peck 

 and damage currants and other fruit to an unimportant extent. 



The adult male in spring has the upper parts olive-green, 

 yellower on the rump ; a yellowish streak over the eye and ear- 

 coverts ; wings and tail olive-brown, margined with greenish-yellow ; 

 under parts yellowish-white, more sulphur-coloured on the flanks ; 

 under wing-coverts brimstone-yellow ; bill, legs and feet brown. 

 Length 4*9 in. ; wing 2 '6 in. ; tarsus 7 in. The sexes are alike in 

 plumage. In autumn the general tint is yellower, especially in 

 young birds. There is a spring as well as an autumn moult. 



The Willow- Wren may be distinguished from the Chiffchaff by 

 its larger size, generally yellower tinge, paler tarsi, and by having 

 the outer margins of the primaries sloped ofl" as far only as the 5th 

 inclusive ; whereas in the Chiftchaff" the 6th is also emarginated. 



Varieties of the Willow-'\\'ren are uncommon; but in May 1861 

 a primrose-coloured bird was shot in Surrey (Harting), and in 

 August of the same year a similar bird was shot in Suff'olk 

 (Stevenson). 



