HOUSE WREN 



Reddish-brown above; darker on head; wings and tail 

 barred with black; under parts whitish; sides with blackish 

 bars; throat and breast clay color; feet flesh color. Length, 

 five inches. 



Nest, generally near the house, made of twigs, grass, 

 leaves and feathers. Eggs, six to nine, pinkish-white well 

 marked with reddish-brown, .65 x .50 inches. 



This lively, cheerful, common little visitor is a prime 

 favorite with everybody. His desire for human protection 

 prompts him to build his summer home under the eaves or in 

 the cornice of the house, shed or barn, or in a hollow apple tree, 

 a bird box or a deserted Woodpecker's hple. 



However large the cavity may be, he and his little wife 

 fill it up with twigs through which only a tiny passage is left 

 to the farthest corner where the true nest of grasses, leaves 

 and feathers is located. The entrance is so small that one 

 wonders if the birds themselves can get in. Surely no bird 

 enemy of ^any size can disturb the eggs or birdlings. Two 

 broods are often raised in a season. It is generally believed 

 that the birds return to the same 'nest for several seasons. 



The food of these birds, young and old, includes a great 

 variety of insects gathered from the leaves and branches of 

 trees, shrubs and plants. Thus in raisiijg their family, Wrens 

 protect our grains, fruits and vegetables. This conduct gives 

 them a strong claim on our care and affection. 



The song of the House Wren is poured out with an energy 

 that is far beyond what we might expept from his diminutive 

 size. Naturally nervous, he appears to sing all over when he 



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