WRENS. 



5*9 



of the cold and temperate regions of the earth, where, among the 

 twigs, with great agility it searches for insects, on which it feeds. 

 While thus occupied it emits a single shrill feeble note, too often 

 accepted by heartless boys as a tell-tale of its whereabouts. 



The Fire crested Wren [Regit his ignicapillus, Fig. 229) so much 



Fig! 229. — Fire-crested Wrens. 



resembles the last-mentioned that they are frequently confused. 

 However, it is much rarer and of more brilliant plumage. 



The Common Wren {Troglodytes vulgaris, Fig. 230) is widely dif- 

 fused over Europe, from the Baltic to the southern parts of Italy, and 

 from Trebizond to the west coast of Ireland. 1 Like the Robin, it has 

 become, in a sense, a sacred bird, and very few will harm the familiar 

 little creature. Its nest is found in all kinds of situations ; a favourite 

 one being under the turfed' summit of a stone wall skirting a brook; 



