The LEAF WREN (_Reguloides Proregulus_), a member of the above group,
that wanders from its native lands and appears in Europe, is greyish
green on the upper portion of the body, and yellowish white on the under
side; the rump is bright green; a yellowish-green line passes over the
top of the head; and a reddish-yellow streak over the eye; the wings are
also decorated with two whitish-yellow stripes. The eye is dark brown;
the beak blackish brown above, and of a yellowish shade beneath; the foot
is pale brown. The body is four inches long and six and a quarter broad;
the wing measures two inches and the tail an inch and a half. This bird
is a native of Central Asia, and is commonly met with in India and China
during the winter; it has also been seen repeatedly in Southern Europe,
and more rarely in the central countries of our continent. The nest
of this species is spherical, and is constructed of fibres of various
kinds woven neatly together with spiders' webs, and fastened firmly
upon a branch at a considerable height from the ground. This elegant
little abode is entered by two holes, the one at the side and the other
in front; the latter, which is used most frequently, is protected by a
projecting cover.
* * * * *
The GARDEN WARBLERS (_Hypolais_), by far the most attractive group
of this numerous race, resemble their congeners in little except the
colour of their plumage, and are readily distinguishable from them by
the comparative compactness of their body, length of wing (in which the
third and fourth quill are longer than the rest), and the thickness of
their tarsus. The beak is large, broad, and powerful, compressed at its
margin; and the tail is incised at its extremity. The habits and song of
the Garden Warblers differ no less remarkably from those of other members
of their family; their nests are open above, and are built upon trees,
instead of upon the ground; even the eggs do not resemble those laid by
other Warblers.