44 WOOD WREN. 



the woods and covers, preferring to settle in the oaks 

 and beeches, not usually going far from its favourite 

 clump of trees. On the highest twigs of these he 

 delights to perch and give forth his song, which is 

 very sweet. There he will remain, " Singing at in- 

 tervals from his twig, though ever and anon he leaves 

 it for a short flight after a too tempting insect, which 

 he catches on the wing, and takes to the nearest twig 

 to repeat his song. In such a hurry is he to sing, 



WOOD WREN. 



that often, when flying from one tree to another, he 

 begins his song on the wing to finish it on his perch." 



The back and upper parts of this bird are yellowish 

 green, the chin and breast bright yellow, softening 

 into pure white on the lower part of the breast and 

 belly ; the wings and tail are brown. 



The nest is of an oval shape, and domed, the en- 

 trance being at the side ; it is placed among the 



