The Siberian Chiffchaff 



1902. It is rather smaller and browner than our common 

 Chiffchaff and has the under parts huffish white. It may, 

 however, always be recognised by the shortness of the 

 second primary, which comes between the seventh and the 

 eighth, or is even shorter than the eighth. 



THE WILLOW WREN 



Phylloscopus trochilus (Linnaeus) 



The Willow Wren is closely allied to the Chiffchaff and 

 so like it in general appearance as to need a critical ex- 

 amination, when dead, to enable it to be recognised. In 

 habits also there is little difference to be noted. Its range 

 is more extensive, for as far north as the birch woods extend, 

 this hardy little wanderer makes his home, retiring at the 

 end of summer to Southern Europe and Africa. Through- 

 out our islands it is extremely common. Arriving about 

 the last week of March, it at once makes its presence known 

 by its bright little song, which is very short and somewhat 

 resembles the Chaffinch's ; it is repeated again and again, 

 and may be heard right through the summer and sometimes 

 again after the moult in the late autumn, just before their 

 final departure. 



The nest is similar in size, shape, and materials to 

 that of the Chiffchaff, but differs in its position, being 

 generally placed very near and often right on the ground, 

 always well concealed in the undergrowth, whereas with 

 the Chiffchaff it is always off the ground, sometimes 



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