100 



THE WILLOW WREN 



I IV plumage bears a strong resemblance to 

 the hen blackcap, and like that bird is 

 very frequently seen in hedges, orchards^ 

 shrubberies, &c. where it feeds on insects^ 

 and where it may be observed continually 

 running up and down the branches in 

 search of its prey : its notes are said to 

 be *' somewhat like those of the redbreast^ 

 but not so loud or so mellow, though 

 wildly sweet, and very plaintive." 



The female builds on the ground, in se- 

 questered situations ; and the nest, which is 

 composed of dried grass and moss, lined 

 with hair and feathers, is generally so art- 

 fully concealed, that it is very difficult to 

 find ; the eggs (usually six in number) are 

 white, spotted with red. 



The willow wren is a bird of passage, ap- 

 pearing in this country in April, and de- 

 parting from hence in August: it sings im- 

 mediately on its arrival 



