OF VIRGINIA 335 
The nests are placed in the long marsh grass, cat-tails, 
or tules, and occasionally a low bush, between three to 
four feet above ground or water, as case may be. Six 
eggs is a large set for this section, five being the general 
average. Nests are composed of coarse marsh grass and 
blades, lined with plant down, cat-tail fur and fine 
grasses; an oval affair with a little round hole entrance, 
generally on the southern side. Color of eggs varies from 
a pale to a dark chocolate; spotted and blotched with a 
darker shade. Some sets have the entire larger end almost 
entirely covered with a darker color. Size, .64x.48, 
These birds do not winter with us, arriving about April 
10th, and departing southward the first week in 
September. The heads of the creeks and smaller streams 
afford ideal nesting sites for these birds, the tall salt 
marsh grass bordering the edges affording protection for 
both nests and the birds, when feeding. During the 
height of the tides they feed on the insects found in the 
taller grass, but during low tide they feed on the muddy 
tide flat and bottom of the grass stems, where all sorts of 
marine life is secured. They are constantly singing while 
at work, and, as many homes are located near to these 
salt water or brackish streams, interested persons can 
become easily acquainted with this cheerful little fellow. 
They usually rear two broods with us, thus their breeding 
season extends over quite a long period. 
[725-E]. Telmatodytes palustris mariane (Scott). 
Marian’s Marsh Wren, 
Raner.—Coast of South Atlantic States. Breeds in 
Lower Austral zone on the coast of North Carolina (and 
Back Bay, Princess Anne County, Virginia); winters 
south to South Carolina and west coast of Florida. 
