84 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



Titmouse, and compared with its European 

 congener are larger, less oval, and possess spots 

 characterized by greater distinctness. Their 

 ground-color is white which is spotted with clear 

 reddish-brown and indistinct markings of purplish- 

 slate. 



Its earliest appearance dates from the beginning 

 of November. During the prevalence of unusually 

 severe weather, which often occurs in the months 

 of January and February, many individuals are 

 driven from their coverts when the ground is 

 covered with snow, and there is a consequent 

 scarcity of food-stuffs, to seek the abodes of man. 

 During its stay it is devoid of song. Audubon 

 describes its song as being full of force and 

 melody, and superior to that of any bird of a similar 

 size of his acquaintance. Its power of endurance 

 is affirmed to be truly astonishing. 



Telmatodytes palustris. B air d . 



The long-billed Marsh Wren as we popularly 

 designate this species, is occasionally met with in 

 Eastern Pennsylvania, and delights in marshy situ- 

 ations. Among the tall sedges and grasses that 

 thickly border the streams of Southern New Jersey, 

 however, it is uncommonly abundant. But in the 

 salt-water marshes of Atlantic County, of the same 

 State, which extend landward from the beach for 

 nearly a half-mile, it occurs in vaster numbers. 

 Within an acre of territory at least fifty nests have 

 been counted of recent construction. 



