152 
SYLVIAD.E. 
INSESSONES. 
DENTIROSTRES. 
SYLVIAD.E. 
PLATE LXXV. 
WREN. 
Sylvia troglodytes. 
This well-known species is common tlirougliout Europe, 
and extends from the Mediterranean as far north as the 
arctic circle. It is a very hardy little bird, and appears 
to prefer northern to southern climates. It is quite regard¬ 
less of the cold of our latitude, and braves the occasional 
rigour of the winter in this country generally unharmed. 
In Avinter it inhabits and shelters itself ivithin holes and 
caves, among heaps of stones, or holloAvs formed by the 
roots of trees, or in the cavernous recesses of old decayed 
stems. In summer it does not entirely abandon such situa¬ 
tions, but appears to have an attachment, at all seasons, 
for places sombre and lonely. It also inhabits ivoods and 
plantations, where there is plenty of sheltering underwood, 
and low bushes and hedgerows, and is often seen in the 
neglected corner of a cottage garden. Wherever this little 
creature resides it is fond of concealing itself, and as the 
dead foliage and vegetable rubbish, amongst which it often 
creeps, nearly assimilate ivith it in colour, it is only to be 
discovered by its exceeding restlessness. It is a solitary 
species, never associating in flocks, and seldom, except in 
spring, to be seen even in pairs. 
This light-hearted little bird is lively and intelligent. 
