288 THE WREN 



ST. KILDA WREN [Troglodytes troglodytes hirtensis, Dixon]. 



1. Description. Differs from the common wren by its larger size, con- 

 spicuously greyer coloration, and the pattern on the primaries. The upper parts 

 are greyish brown, strongly barred with dark brown on the scapulars, inter- 

 scapulars, and rump. The under parts are mealy white, strongly barred on 

 the lower flanks and abdomen with dark brown. Chequering on the primaries 

 takes the form of narrow bars of white on a dark grey ground, therein differing 

 conspicuously from the common wren. [w. p. P.] 



2. Distribution. Confined to the islet of St. Kilda. [F. c. R. J.] 



3. Nest and Eggs. This large local form differs somewhat in its eggs from 

 the ordinary race. It nests in crevices of walls, sheepfolds, etc., and lays 6 eggs, 

 which are distinctly larger than those from the mainland. Average size of 33 eggs, 

 71 x -54 in. [IS'll x 13*79 mm.]. In other respects it resembles the common 

 wren. [F. c. R. j.] 



SHETLAND WREN [Troglodytes troglodytes zetlandicus, Hartert]. 



1. Description. Distinguished, according to Dr. Hartert, from the pre- 

 ceding by its dark coloration, especially on the under parts ( Vogel der Paldark- 

 tischen Fauna, vol. i. No. 1173). 



2. Distribution. Confined to the Shetland Islands. [F. c. R. j.] 



3. Nest and Eggs. Another large but dark-coloured local form, which 

 breeds among the rocks on the sea-shore. In its habits it does not differ from 

 the other races. [F. c. R. J.] 



