120 THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 



Wren, House {Troglodytes aedon aedon) 



The name suggests its common haunts. While generally dis- 

 tributed throughout the State, it is somewhat irregular in its 

 summer visits. This small bird seems quite capable of taking 

 care of itself. It is reported to have the habit of entering nests 

 of bluebirds, yellow warblers, chipping sparrows and other birds 

 and pecking the eggs. This is probably to avoid too much com- 

 petition for food. 4.5-5.2 



Call no. 



Nu WrH Adult Entering Hole of Nesting Box Hegner 



The house wren formerly built its nests in deserted wood- 

 pecker holes and natural cavities in trees. A large number of 

 them now use boxes put out for their use. The picture shows 

 that it need not be an artistic box, although the more shapely 

 boxes are more attractive to the bird. 



Nu WrH2 Nest Containing Six Eggs in Box, Side Removed. (May 

 28, 1914) Allen 



Note the composition of the nest. 



Nu WrH4 Two Young Birds on Perch. (1909) Bailey 



Compare the appearance of the head and the bill with those 

 of the adult. These birds, when they first leave the nest, skulk 

 and hide in the underbrush and even well-meaning cats are 

 deceived into believing they are mice. Cats are probably doing 

 more to reduce their numbers than is any other cause. 



Nu WrH6 Adult Female on Old Stump, Side View. Ithaca. (May 

 25, 1914) Allen 



Note the position of the tail. When scolding an intruder, the 

 bird's tail is commonly cocked over the back. Notice the char- 

 acter af the bill. 



Nu WrH7 Adult Singing on Old Stump, Side View. Ithaca. (May 

 25, 1914) Allen 



Observe the position of the tail while the bird is singing. 



Nu WrH8 Adult with Worm in Its Mouth at Entrance of Nesting 

 Hole. Arcade. (1904) R.H.Beebe 



This shows the natural nesting place of the house wren in an 

 old woodpecker hole. 



