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Range (Eastern North America breeds) (XXXXXII)

Eastern North America; breeds as far north as Manitoba, Montreal, and Maine; and winters from South Carolina southward. Washington, common S. R., Apl. 15 to Sept. Sing Sing, common S. R., Apl. 23 to Oct. 14. Cambridge, locally common S. R., May 1 to Sept. 25. Nest, of twigs lined with grasses, generally filling the hole in a tree, birdbox, crevice, etc., in which it is placed. Eggs, six to eight, vinaceous, uniform, or minutely speckled, with generally a wreath of a deeper shade at the larger end, 65 × 51.

THRASHERS, WRENS, ETC.

It has been claimed that the name House Wren is a misnomer, because in the south during the winter these birds are found in the forests miles from the nearest habitation. This, however, is owing to circumstances over which the House Wren has no control. He is just as much of a House Wren in the south as he is in the north; you will find a pair in possession of every suitable dwelling. The difficulty is that in the winter there are more House Wrens than there are houses, and, being of a somewhat irritable disposition, the House Wren will not share his quarters with others of his kind. Late comers, therefore, who can not get a snug nook about a house or outbuilding, are forced to resort to the woods.

In the summer, when they are spread over a much greater area, House Wrens are very particular in their choice of haunts, and for this reason are locally distributed. Having selected a nesting site, they become much attached to it, and return to the same place year after year. It may be a bird-box, a crevice in a building, a hollow in an apple tree, or hole in a fence rail; wherever it is, it is theirs, and they will fight for it against all comers.

The song of the House Wren is delivered with characteristic energy-a sudden outpouring of music which completely dominates the singer, who with raised head and drooped tail trembles with the violence of his effort. 721b. T. a. aztecus (Baird). WESTERN HOUSE WREN. - Similar to the preceding, but upper parts lighter and less rufous, the back and rump generally distinctly barred with blackish.