Gould stated that 'The localities of the Willow-wren are large woods, sides of rivers, patches of furze, plantations of young trees, and especially...various species of willow. Among the leafy branches it displays great activity ...flitting from branch to branch, prying into every bud, and scrutinising every leaf, for such newly hatched insects as the general warmth of spring or summer have brought forth.'

The male and female are depicted on a species of willow gathered by the banks of the Thames in April.

DISTRIBUTION: Breeds in Eurasia from the British Isles and north Scandinavia east to north Siberia and Anadyrland, and south to south France, north Italy and across to southwest Siberia. Winters in tropical and south Africa. The most common summer visitor to Britain