Some day, late in April, the House Wren will appear to add to the
growing bird population. Not until the middle of August or the end of
September will he depart. He is the most common of our Wrens.
Food: Ninety-eight percent of the food of this small bird is made up of
insects.
Actions: These little birds are very restless. They seem never to be
still. From dawn to dark they are bobbing, hopping, and bowing
about with tireless energy. The stiff tail, constantly jerked, is
usually in an upright perky position, and is a true mark of the
Wren's personality.
Song: The House Wren is more noted for the quantity of his song than for
the quality. Although parts of his singing are soft and musical,
there are other times when scolding, grating notes mar the
performance. Constantly singing, the Wren goes about his work.
Even when flying or perching with a worm in his beak, he will sing
away as though the thoughts of mere food were far indeed from his
mind. The true song is a spontaneous and rollicking outburst, and
is sung with real abandon that fairly makes the small feathered
body tremble with the force of its effort.
Nest: The nest of the House Wren is made within some cavity, either
natural or man-made. If no hollow tree is about, an eave spout
will do, provided that an English Sparrow has not found it first.
Wrens have even been known to build their nests in old shoes! The
material used consists of grass and short twigs, feathers and like
material. The eggs, sometimes as many as eight in number, are
thickly speckled with pinkish brown.
Flight: The flight of the Wren is very erratic. It darts here and there
with much speed. Although not a very strong flier, the bird
travels in many places that larger birds could never manage.
[Illustration: _The House Wren--4¾ inches_]