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Wren (He does not need man's)
He does not need man's encouragement, for he comes of his own accord and installs himself as a member of the community wherever it suits his taste. He is found about the cow-shed and barn along with the Pewee and Barn Swallow; he investigates the pig-sty, then explores the garden fence, and finally mounts to the roof and pours forth one of the sweetest songs that ever was heard. Not.. like the House Wren's merry roundelay, but a fine, clear, bold song, uttered as the singer sits with head thrown back and long tail pendent-a song which may be heard a quarter of a mile or more, and in comparison with which the faint chant of the Song Sparrow sinks into insignificance. The ordinary note is a soft, low plit, uttered as the bird hops about, its long tail carried erect or even leaning forward, and jerked to one side at short intervals. In its movements it is altogether more deliberate than either T. ludovicianus or T. aëdon, but nothing can excel it in quickness when it is pursued" (Ridgway). 721. Troglodytes aëdon Vieill. HOUSE WREN. Ad.-Upper parts cinnamon olive-brown, more rufous on the rump and tail; back generally with indistinct bars; feathers of the rump with concealed, downy white spots; wings and tail finely barred; under parts whitish, sides or flanks with numerous blackish bars. L., 5.00; W., 1.97; T., 171; B., 50.