The Willow Wren. 



307 



lays five or six dusky white eggs, marked with reddish spots, 

 and incubates about twelve days. If not molested, the young 

 remain in the nest until fully fledged. 



Methods of Capture — After the moulting season these birds 

 may be taken in a trap baited with caterpillars or mealworms ; 

 or they may be secured by the use of limed twigs attached to 

 the willows where they are known to frequent, a piece of 

 ground having first been cleared and baited, to entice them 

 to the spot. They are artless birds, and easily ensnared. 



Food and Treatment. — In a wild state, the Willow Wren 

 lives almost exclusively on the different kinds of aphis, flies, 

 small caterpillars, and moths. In confinement, it may be fed 

 the same as the Common Wren. 



Bearing the Young. — The young of this species should be 

 treated in all respects the same as those of the Common 

 Wren. 



Distinguishing Marks of Cock and Hen. — The hen is paler 

 in her plumage throughout than the cock, inclining to white at 

 the lower part of the abdomen and vent. The birds, however, 

 vary in colour considerably, according to age, as most wild 

 birds do. 



Song. — The song of the Willow Wren is soft and pleasant ; 

 in some respects it greatly resembles that of the Robin, but 

 is not so loud, mellow, or so full of pathos. 



Points to be Observed in Judging. — See observations on 

 this point respecting the Common Wren, as the same remarks are 

 equally applicable to this variety. 



General Remarks. — The Willow Wren is a friend to the 

 gardener, as it feeds greatly on aphis, and searches for them in 

 the plants and trees which they infest ; hence, it may often be 

 seen threading its way along the branches of rose and other 

 trees, greedily devouring these pests, and sometimes fighting 

 with other birds of its own, or a different species, over them. 



Diseases and their Treatment. — The Willow Wren is of a 

 hardy nature, and seldom upon the sick list, unless it be in the 

 moulting season. For treatment in case of illness, see remarks 

 in preceding chapter (Common Wren) under this head, and 

 also Chapter V., on "Diseases." 



