Birds of Britain 



only an inch or two, but more often some eighteen inches 

 or two feet. The eggs are white with pale rufous spots ; 

 these markings are much paler than on those of the Chiff- 

 chaff, less clean cut, and more numerous. 



Apart, however, from the breeding birds, an enormous 

 number of Willow Wrens pass through this country at 

 migration time. England seems to lie in the main track of 

 these birds when they are making for their summer quarters 

 in higher latitudes. From early April to the middle or end 

 of May they simply pour through this country in incredible 

 numbers. The whole extent of the south coast is involved, 

 and often for several days at a time they arrive in millions. 

 These birds pass straight on, relentlessly pursuing their 

 course, and having crossed the Channel one night, prepare 

 during the following day for a still longer journey across the 

 North Sea during the coming night. Early in August the 

 return journey commences, and in still greater numbers they 

 steadily pass southwards, till by October they are, let us 

 hope, enjoying peace and plenty under sunny skies. 



Extremely like the Chiffchaff, but rather larger, brighter 

 in colour, and with paler legs. Its distinctive characteristics 

 have been noted under the preceding species. Length 

 4*9 in. ; wing 2*7 in. 



THE WOOD WREN 



Phylloscopus sibilatrix (Bechstein) 



Although a member of the same family as the last two 

 species, this bird is much more local. It is not until the 



56 



