The Willow Wren. 



233 



the other songsters to silence. Like the redbreast, it 

 frequently approaches the habitation of man, enlivening 

 the rustic garden with its song during the greater part 

 of the year. It begins to make a nest early in the 

 spring, but frequently deserts it before it is lined, and 

 searches for a % more secure place. The Wren does not, 

 as is usual with most other birds, begin to build the 

 bottom of the nest first. When against a tree, its pri- 

 mary operation is to trace upon the bark the outline, and 

 ihus to fasten it with equal strength to all parts. It then, 

 in succession, closes the sides and top, leaving only a 

 small hole for entrance. 



THE WILLOW WREN. (Sylvia trocMlus.) 



THE WILLOW WREN is somewhat larger than the common 

 Wren. The upper parts of the body are of a pale olive- 



