74 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



lies, but are distinguished therefrom by the 

 non-acuminate tail-feathers and exposed nostrils. 

 The Troglodytidce, with the exclusion of the Old 

 World forms which are ranked with the Wrens, 

 and which are better assigned elsewhere; and 

 excepting the European Wren and its congeners, 

 are limited to America. There are one hundred 

 recognized species belonging to sixteen genera or 

 subgenera, mostly tropical American. Of the 

 North American forms, three genera are exclu- 

 sively western, while species of all our other 

 genera, are common eastern birds. 



Thryothorus hidovicianus, Bonaparte. 



The above species which is commonly surnamed 

 the Mocking Wren from its remarkable powers of 

 mimicry, is not a rare visitor in our latitude, and 

 has been observed on frequent occasions. In 

 Delaware County, Pa., it is quite abundant during 

 breeding-period, from which we infer that it breeds 

 there. 



Like its congeners, it displays a lack of shyness 

 and timidity, and permits a near approach without 

 fear or alarm. 



The food of the Carolina Wren consists mainly 

 of coleoptera, diptera, lepidopterous larvae and 

 the small forms of neuropterous life which inhabit 

 low aqueous situations, besides the seeds of grami- 

 naceous plants, and the berries of Juniperus Vir- 

 giniana. 



It is noted for the variety and power of its song. 



