WINTER WREN. 
41 
Young, similar to the adult, but with a more rufous suffusion beneath and with the feathers of the throat and 
breast tipped with dusky. The wing coverts are also more spotted. 
Nesting plumage, darker throughout than in the young, the throat being as dark as the flanks. There are no 
spots on the sides of the neck. The bars beneath are not as conspicuous and the feathers of the throat and breast 
show lighter centres. The young birds from which I have taken the above descriptions were kindly loaned me by 
Mr. Brewster and Mr. Harold Herrick. Those in the nesting plumage were taken in New Hampshire and at Grand 
Manan. 
OBSERVATIONS. 
Specimens vary somewhat in the amount of black on the lower portions of the body as well as in the shading 
above, although they are more uniform in this respect. Differs from cedon as described under that species. It cannot 
be confounded with the Marsh Wrens, for they are streaked with white on the back. Distributed during summer 
throughout the more northern sections of the United States and North America.; winters in the Southern States, but 
is rare in Elorida. 
DIMENSIONS. 
Average measurements of seven specimens from New England.— Length, 4T0; stretch, G'04; wing, P72; tail, 
D24; bill, -40; tarsus, - 66. Longest specimen, 4-25; greatest extent of wings, 6-30; longest wing, 2-00; tail, 1-32; 
bill, -49; tarsus, *755 Shortest specimen, 3-75; smallest extent of wings, 5-50; shortest wing, 1-70; tail, 1-10; bill, 
•35; tarsus, ’65. 
DESCRIPTION OE NEST AND EGGS. 
The following descriptions were kindly forwarded to me by Mr. Ridgway. That of the nest was made from a 
specimen now in the Smithsonian collection, which was taken in Maine by Mr. W. E. Hall. 
Nest. A compact mass of green moss, strengthened by a few slender twigs of coniferous trees. It is in the 
form of a hollow ball with the cavity deep and the entrance narrow. Dimensions: 5 inches in length by 3-50 in 
diameter. 
Eggs, five in number (these described were taken at Eort Umpqua, Oregon, by Mr. E. P. Vallum), oval in form, 
pure white in color with a circle of thickly sprinkled reddish-brown dots around the larger end. Dimensions, 
•68X-48. 
HABITS. 
The Winter Wrens find their summer homes in the thick, evergreen woods of Northern New 
England; here they frequent the masses of fallen trees, that are piled in confused heaps by the 
tornadoes, which occasionally visit these vast forests. The birds are abundant in such situations, 
but if it were not for the peculiarly sweet warbling song of the males, which are frequently 
heard, one would be inclined to call them rare. All Wrens are endowed with the faculty of 
concealing themselves, but in the Winter Wrens this instinct is developed to a remarkable 
degree; and even while they are singing remain hidden. I have stood within a few yards of 
their place of abode and endeavored to discover the invisible bird which was constantly 
repeating his delightful melody; but after the closest scrutiny was obliged to give up the search 
as unsuccessful. When approached too nearly these Wrens glide through the intricate passages 
of their retreat like mice and it requires considerable exertion to drive them from a particular 
pile; when forced to leave they use every available means to escape unseen. I have seen one 
enter the knot hole of a hollow log, when closely pursued, and emerge at the open end which 
was in a thicket. These birds must conceal their nests very carefully; for, although I am certain 
that I have many times been within a few yards of their homes, I have failed to discover any 
after the most thorough search. The Winter Wrens pass Massachusetts during the migrations 
in October and April; they are very rare in Florida and I have never met with them there, but 
Mr. Boardman informs rae that he has seen them on two occasions. 
BIRDS OF FLORIDA. 
