HOUSE WREN. 



721. Troglodytes aedon. 4^4 inches. 



Above brownish with tail and wings barred; below 

 dull grayish barred on the flanks with brown. 



These are bold, sociable and confiding birds, seem- 

 ing to prefer men 's society, building their nests in 

 bird boxes that are erected for them, or in the most 

 unexpected situations about buildings. They are one 

 of the most beneficial birds that can be attracted 

 to one's yard, feeding wholly upon insects. 



Song. Loud, clear and bubbling over with enthu- 

 siasm. 



Nest. Of grass or weeds, stuffed into any crevice 

 that takes their fancy, frequently in bird boxes and 

 holes in orchard trees; eggs white, so minutely and 

 thickly dotted with pinkish brown as to nearly con- 

 ceal the ground color (.64 x .52). 



Range. Eastern N. A., breeding north to Maine 

 and Manitoba; winters along the Gulf coast. 721b. 

 Western House Wren (aztecus), is from the Plains 

 to the Pacific coast ranges. 



