Globular Nests in Marsh-Grass, Reeds, etc. 



cat-tails being frequently used. It is globular, often rather long 

 and narrow, with very irregular outline ; the entrance, which is 

 on the side, is in some nests almost concealed ; the reeds or 

 grass to which the nest is attached form part of the structure 

 itself, being interwoven with the other materials. Swamps, even 

 where the water is several feet in depth, are the places most often 

 selected for the nesting, but damp meadows are not infrequently 

 chosen. 



The number of eggs ranges from 5 to 8 and rarely 9. They 

 are so thickly covered with spots and blotches of various shades 

 of brown that in most cases the white ground colour is entirely 

 obliterated. Size — .65 x .49. See Fig. 20, Plate C. 



The Long-billed Marsh Wren is generally to be found in 

 swamps of either brackish or fresh water, and there he and his 

 mate may be seen during the breeding season, industriously feed- 

 ing, building nests (for they build many that are apparently never 

 used), singing while perched on the top of a cat-tail, or scolding 

 the intruder, but never for a moment quiet. 



The nests may be found within a few inches of the ground, 

 or in tall reeds eight feet or more clear of either ground or water. 



The accompanying photograph shows the young bird at the 

 time of leaving the nest, its brothers and sisters having already 

 left. 



The eggs are laid about the third week in May. 



725b. Worthington's Marsh Wren : C. p. griseus (Brewst.) 



A southern sub-species of the long-billed marsh wren, being 

 lighter and more gray in colour; its breeding habits are probably 

 identical. 

 Breeding Range — "The coast region of South Carolina and 



Georgia." (The A. O. U. checklist.) 



725.1. Marian's Marsh Wren : C. p. marianae Scott. 



Resembling the long-billed marsh wren, but darker, smaller, 

 and with the under parts barred. 

 Breeding Range — The Gulf coast of Florida. 



These birds are found in salt-water or brackish marshes, 

 where they breed ; the nests are described as similar to those of 

 the long-billed marsh wren. 



80 



