THE YELLOW WILLOW WREN, 

 OR HAY-BIRD. 



Sylvia trochilus, Lath. 



This elegant little species visits us about the 

 middle of April, and leaves us again the latter end 

 of September or beginning of October. It is 

 plentiful in some parts ; frequents wooded and en- 

 closed situations, especially where willows abound ; 

 is frequently found with the Wood Wren, but 

 does not extend so far to the West of England, 

 as it is rarely met with in Cornwall.* 



Mr. Sweet says these birds are very plentiful 

 some seasons, flying about from tree to tree, and 

 singing their pretty soft note, which is not unlike 

 the song of the Redbreast, but not so loud. Wher- 

 ever any plants are infested with any kind of apliis, 

 there the Willow Wrens are almost certain to 

 be, often quarrelling, and flying after one another; 

 and they will even attack other birds that are 

 much larger than themselves. 



It is easily taken in a trap baited with small cater- 

 pillars, or a rose-bush covered with aphides ; and 

 it will soon become very tame in confmement.f 



About the latter end of April or beginning 

 of May it makes a nest of an oval shape, with 



* Ornithological Dictionary. t British Warblers. 



