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FAMILY TROGLODYTID^:. WRENS. 



The Wrens are small brown birds living close to the ground. Though 

 diminutive in size they are very energetic and except when brooding or 

 asleep are rarely still. They can be recognized by their small size, brown 

 coloration, small stubby tail often thrown up over the back, and their 

 restless habits, winding in and out amongst the densest brush piles more 

 like mice than birds. The Wrens are a large family well distributed over 

 the world but better represented in species in the New than in the Old World. 

 Their habitat varies from watery swamps to dry uplands and from open 

 thickets to deep dense woods. The family name Troglody tides, cave- 

 dwellers, is derived from their habit of nesting in holes. 



Genus Thryothorus. Carolina Wren and Others. 



718. Carolina Wren. FR. LE ROITELET DE LA CAROLINE. Thryothorus ludovi- 

 cianus. L, 5-50. The largest of our Wrens and the reddest, the back approximating 

 the red of the Brown Thrasher, of a lighter yet distinctly warm tint below. 



Distinctions. Size, comparative redness of back, and the distinct light eyebrow line 

 are distinctive of this species. 



Field Marks. The above distinctions make the best field marks. The Long-billed 

 Marsh Wren has a similar eyebrow line, but size, general colour, and habitat will prevent 

 confusion with it. 



Nesting. In holes in trees or stumps or in nooks and crevices about buildings, in 

 bulky nest of grasses, feathers, leaves, etc., lined with finer grasses, long hairs, etc. 



Distribution. Eastern United States, north intermittently into Canada in the western 

 Lake Erie section. For a number of years the species was quite common on Pelee point 

 and on Pelee island, but since 1913 it seems to have become rarer. 



SUBSPECIES. Of the three subspecies of Carolina Wren only one, the Northern 

 Carolina Wren, the typical race, is to be expected in Canada. 



The Carolina Wren is the finest singer of the family. The song is not 

 continuous or long but it has a peculiar flute-like, liquid quality and is of 

 striking beauty. The species is rare in Canada and its song is heard either 

 regularly or occasionally only in a few localities. 



Economic Status. Too rare in Canada to have any perceptible 

 economic influence. 



Genus Thryomanes. Beurick's Wren and Others. 



719. Bewick's Wren. FR. LE ROITELET DE BEWICK. Thryomanes bewicki. L, 5. 

 Similar to the House Wren but whiter below and tail longer, larger, and distinctly greyish. 

 It has a light eyebrow line. 



Distinctions. Characters given above will serve for the identification of the species. 



Field Marks. A House Wren with long tail and loud, sparrow-like song. 



Nesting. Nest similar to that of the House Wren. 



Distribution. Eastern United States not reaching the Canadian border except as a 

 straggler in southern Ontario. 



SUBSPECIES. The eastern Canada form is the Eastern Bewick's Wren, the type 

 race of the species. 



This Wren is only a rare visitor from the south and has seldom been 

 recorded from eastern Canada. It should be recorded only on the most 

 trustworthy evidence. 



Economic Status. Too rare a species in eastern Canada to be of 

 economic interest. 



