Globular Nests in Marsh-Grass, Reeds, etc. 
ParT II.—GLOBULAR NESTS IN MARSH-GRASS, 
REEDS, ETC. 
724. Short-billed Marsh Wren: Cistothorus stellaris 
(Licht.) 
Adult—Black and brown streaked with buff and white ; under 
parts white or whitish tinged with buff. Length—q.oo. 
Breeding Range—The Eastern States from New Hampshire and 
Manitoba southward. 
The nest, which is globular or spherical, with the entrance 
on the side, is made of coarse grasses or thin reeds, with the lin- 
ing of plant down; it is attached to upright reeds in marshes. 
5 to 7 eggs are laid; they are usually pure white, but are 
sometimes marked faintly with rather large spots of pale lavender. 
Size—.64 x.45. 
This energetic little wren, which builds such a remarkable 
nest, is found more often in the damp meadows than in the regu- 
lar swamps where his cousin, the long-billed marsh wren, lives. 
The habit of building more nests than are ever used for laying 
eggs in, is one of the peculiarities of the marsh wrens. Where 
one nest is found there are sure to be others not far away, some 
finished and some scarcely more than begun. Whether these 
are for roosting in, or simply experiments, or as a method of 
protection, it is difficult to say. Two sets of eggs are usually 
laid ; the first about the end of May, and the second in July. 
725. Long-billed Marsh Wren; Cistothorus palustris 
(Wils.) 
Adult—Upper parts very dark brown or nearly black, the rump 
being a reddish brown or chestnut ; white line from the bill 
over the eye, and white streaks on the back; under parts 
dusky gray or whitish. The young birds have the breast 
light yellow. Length—5.20. 
Breeding Range—Throughout the Eastern States northward to 
Massachusetts. 
The nest is built of reeds, grasses, weeds, and sometimes mud, 
with the lining either of grass or plant down, the seed from the 
79 
Laboratory of Ornitholagy 
159 Sapsucker Woods Rowg 
Comell University 
Ithaca, New York 4850 
