HOUSE WREN. 
423 
in the Western wilderness of the 49th degree of latitude. 
It is likewise said to be an inhabitant of Surinam within 
the tropics, where its delightful melody has gained it the 
nickname of the Nightingale. This region, or the inter- 
mediate country of Mexico, is probably the winter quar- 
ters of our domestic favorite. In Louisiana it is unknown 
even as a transient visitor,* migrating apparently to the 
east of the Mississippi, and sedulously avoiding the re- 
gion generally inhabited by the Carolina Wren. It is a 
matter of surprise how this, and some other species, 
with wings so short and a flight so fluttering, are ever 
capable of arriving and returning from such distant 
countries. At any rate, come from where he may, he 
makes his appearance in the Middle States about the 
12th or 15th of April, and is seen in New England 
in the latter end of that month or by the beginning of 
May. They take their departure for the South towards 
the close of September, or early in October, and are not 
known to winter within the limits of the Union. 
Some time in the early part of May, our little social vis- 
itor enters actively into the cares as well as pleasures 
which preside instinctively over the fiat of propagation. 
His nest, from preference, near the house, is placed be- 
neath the eaves, in some remote corner under a shed, 
outhouse, barn, or in a hollow orchard tree ; also in the 
deserted cell of the Woodpecker, and when provided 
With the convenience, in a wooden box along with the 
Martins and Blue-birds. He will make his nest even in 
an old hat, nailed up, and perforated with a hole for 
entrance, f and Audubon saw one deposited in the pocket 
of a broken down carriage. So pertinacious is the 
* Audubon, Orn. Biog. i. p. 427. 
| This incident, with all the truth and beauty of nature, is given by Audubon in 
his best style. 
