THE WOOD-WREN. 

 Phylloscopus sibilatrix (Bechstein). 

 Plate 6. 



The Wood-Wren is the largest and the brightest coloured of the three closely 

 related species, and arrives in its summer quarters later than the others, usually 

 towards the end of April. 



Though local it has a wide range throughout the country, and is not uncommon 

 in well-timbered districts. 



As a nesting species it is rare in Ireland. The Wood-Wren is found in summer 

 over the greater part of Europe, and winters in North Africa. 



In shape and outer materials the domed nest is very like those of the Chiffchaff 

 and Willow- Wren ; is lined with hair and fine grass, but contains no feathers. 

 The eggs, five to seven in number, are pure white, spotted with dark red. 



This bird, besides being larger, is easily distinguished from the other two by its 

 longer and more pointed wing, the greener tint of the upper parts, the bright lemon- 

 yellow eyestreak, and the pure white of the lower breast. 



The Wood-Wren lives, like its allies, on insects and berries. It is usually to be 

 found in woods of beech or oak, when its characteristic song, beginning with the 

 syllables twee, twee, twee, and ending with a succession of trilling notes, may often 

 be heard ; during the song the bird makes a quivering movement of the wings. 



According to Mr. J. G. Millais, the female has far less yellow and is less rich in 

 colour on the back than the male. 



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