The Wrens.

The diminutive house wren frequents barns and gardens and particularly old orchards in which the trees are partially decayed. He makes his nest in a hollow where perhaps a woodpecker had a domicile the year before, but he is a pugnacious character, and if he happens to fancy one of the boxes put up for bluebirds, he does not hesitate to take it. He is usually not slow to avail himself of boxes, gourds, tin cans, or empty jars placed for his accommodation.

Fig. 4.

The various species of wrens occupy more or less the whole country from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The wren is one of our most friendly birds and his presence should be encouraged about every farm, village, and suburban residence.