200 THE WILLOW-WREN. 



and has a small hole near the middle, for the ingress and egress of 

 the bird. The materials composing its exterior are different species 

 of moss ; and within, it is lined with wool, hair, and feathers. The 

 female lays from ten to eighteen eggs, and not unusually brings up as 

 many young-ones. " It may be ranked among those daily miracles 

 of which we take no notice, that this bird should feed so great a 

 number as this without passing over one, and that also in utter dark- 

 ness." The eggs are, in size, scarcely larger than peas, and are of a 

 white color, sprinkled with small dull spots. 



These birds are found in various parts of Europe, Asia and 

 America. They are said to bear well every change of temperature, 

 from the greatest degree of heat to that of the severest cold. They 

 continue with us daring the whole year : but Mr. Pennant states? 

 that they cross annually from the Orkneys to the Shetland islands, 

 whe.'e they breed, and from which they return before the winter 

 This is a long flight (sixty miles) for so small a bird. 



THE WILLOW-WREN. 



This bird is somewhat larger than the Common Wren. The upper 

 parts of the body are of a pale olive-green ; 

 the under parts are pale yellow, and a 

 streak of yellow passes over the eyes. 

 The wings and tail are brown, edged with 

 yellowish green ; and the legs are yel- 

 lowish. 



The Willow- Wren is not uncommon in 

 many parts of England. It is migratory, 

 visiting there usually about the middle of 

 April, and taking its departure towards the end of September. The 

 females construct their nests in holes at the roots of trees, in hollows 

 of dry banks and other similar places. These are round, and not 

 unlike the nest of the Wren. The eggs are dusky white, marked 

 with reddish spots ; and are five in number. 



A Willow- Wren had built in a bank of one of the fields of Mr. 

 White, near Selborne. This bird a friend and himself observed, as she 

 sat in her nest ; but they were particularly careful not to disturb her, 

 though she eyed them with some degree of jealousy. Some days after- 

 wards, as they passed the same way, they were desirous of remarking 

 how the brood went on ; but no nest could be found, till Mr. White 

 happened to take up a large bundle of long green moss, which had 

 been thrown as it were carelessly over the nest, in order to mislead 

 the eye of any impertinent obtruder. 



The Willow- Wren may justly be termed the Nightingale of the 

 northern snowy countries of Europe. It settles on the most lofty 

 branches of the birch-trees, and makes the air resound with its bold 

 and melodious song. It is always smart and cheerful to it all weathers 

 are alike. The big drops of a thunder shower no more wet it than the 

 drizzle of a Scotcli mist. 



