2 GO . Certhiadce. 



The names it bears on the Continent of Europe have general 

 reference to its climbing capabilities. In France it is Le Grim- 

 pereau, ' the Climber ;' in Germany, Genuine Baumlaufer, ' Com- 

 mon Tree-Runner ;' in Sweden, Trad- Kry par e t ' Tree-creeper ;' 

 in Spain, Trepatroncos, ' a Creeper of Trunks ;' in Portugal, Tre- 

 padeira, ' Climber ;' but in Italy, Picchio passerino, ' Sparrow 

 Woodpecker.' 



108. WREN (Troglodytes vulcjaris). 



This is a general favourite ; its diminutive size, but pert aspect, 

 its boldness and familiarity in winter (for it never leaves us), its 

 full rich song and engaging manners, all bespeaking our protec- 

 tion : in colour it is reddish-brown, well mottled and speckled 

 with various shades, but its most striking peculiarity is the erect 

 position of its tail, Vhich gives it a very jaunty appearance. 

 Some authors have placed it among the warblers, but its long 

 tapering arched beak, long curved claws, short rounded wings 

 and soft plumage seem to point it out as a true creeper ; more- 

 over, though not essentially a climber, it clings with apparent 

 ease to perpendicular surfaces sideways, and is often seen on the 

 trunks as well as branches of trees ; it also frequents walls and 

 rocks, as well as banks and ditches, and its food consists of 

 insects, seeds, and soft fruits. Many people are not aware of the 

 volume and richness of its song, more particularly in the early 

 spring, and this is the more remarkable when the diminutive size 

 of the bird is taken into account. Shakspeare was evidently 

 ignorant of this, for he says 



' The nightingale, if she should sing by day 

 When every goose is cackling, would be thought 

 No better a musician than the wren.' 



In addition to its ordinary song it has a curious note of fear, 



which it utters at intervals when alarmed, and which (as Mr. 



Harting aptly says) somewhat resembles the winding up of a 



clock* With us it bears the endearing name of ' Jenny Wren,' 



' Birds of Middlesex,' p. 114. 



