Family TROGLODYTIDi^;. 



THE WREN. 

 Troglodytes parvulus, K. L. Koch. 

 Plate 9. 



This well-known and attractive little bird is common all over Great Britain 

 and Ireland, while island forms, differing somewhat in size and colour, are 

 resident in St. Kilda and the Shetlands. Its range also extends more or less 

 throughout Europe. 



The Wren usually begins its nest in April, and selects various sites, such 

 as hedge-banks, overhung with roots of trees, or among ivy on walls, in crevices 

 in rocks, and in evergreens. The structure is domed, with a small entrance 

 at the side, and is made of moss, leaves, dead grass, &c., with a lining of hair 

 and feathers. Some observers have noticed that the bird chooses materials 

 which harmonise with the surroundings of the nest and help to conceal it. I 

 have seen one, however, constructed almost entirely of the fronds of dead bracken, 

 and built in a yew hedge. 



Several more or less completed nests are often found in the vicinity of the 

 one where the young are reared ; for what purpose has never been satisfactorily 

 explained. 



The eggs vary in number, the usual complement being from six to eight 

 or even nine. In colour they are white, generally dotted with red spots. The 

 young remain in the nest until they can fly well, when, if alarmed, they will leave 

 it and scatter in all directions. 



The food consists mostly of insects, although fruit and seeds are sometimes 

 eaten. 



It seems to be able to obtain a living even when snow is on the ground ; at 

 such times it will creep among the shelter afforded by shrubs and plants in 

 gardens and hedgerows, seldom appearing to suffer. 



The song of the Wren is loud and penetrating, and is continued through 



the greater part of the year, its cheering notes being often heard on bright 



winter mornings. 



The female is like the male in colour, but rather duller, 



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