724. Cistothorus stellaris 



SHORT-BILLED MARSH WREN. 4 1-2 inches 

 Male and Female alike. Above brownish ; tail and wings barred. 

 Below brownish gray ; throat lighter. 



Both species, Nos. 724 and 725, are tiny mouse-like birds, difficult 

 to discover, as they creep along the reeds and weed stalks hunting 

 for spiders and insects. They live in colonies and inhabit open, 

 swampy places. Locally common in Massachusetts. Arrives 

 about the middle of May. Song. Short and unmusical. Nest. 

 In the grass. Breeds. In southern New England. 



725. Telmatodytes palustris 

 LONG-BILLED MARSH WREN. 5 inches 



Appearance, range and habit much like No. 724, but has a longer 

 bill and is a little larger. Song. A bubbling melody. Nest. 

 Attached to reeds a few feet from the ground. Builds false nests. 



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