GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN. 419 



roost at night. Early in April they are seen on their re- 

 turn to the north in Pennsylvania ; at this time they 

 dart among the blossoms of the maple and elm in com- 

 pany with the preceding species, and appear more vola- 

 tile and actively engaged in seizing small flies on the 

 wing, and collecting minute, lurking caterpillars from the 

 opening leaves. 



In the autumn they succeed so well in obtaining food as 

 to become very fat, and, though so diminutive, are in 

 some parts of Germany caught in great numbers, exposed 

 in the market for food, and among epicures command a 

 high price. 



In England this species abides throughout the year ; 

 but though in Scotland they breed in the Orkneys, at 

 the approach of winter they migrate to the Shetland 

 islands over sea, a distance of 60 miles , yet, according 

 to Mr. CEdman, they sustain themselves through the 

 winter in the pine forests of Sweden. At the period of 

 breeding they are said to sing melodiously, but weaker 

 than the common Wren ; but Manduyt, in the Encyclo- 

 pedie Methodique, assures us they have no song, merely 

 a feeble screep or chirp, the note attributed to it being 

 probably that of the true Wren. The nest is built usu- 

 ally towards the extremities of the branches of the pine 

 and fir, being of a spherical form, with a small entry at 

 the side ; it is externally formed of moss and lichen, and 

 lined with downy substances, and filaments, believed to 

 be cobwebs, or probably silk of caterpillars or cocoons. 

 The eggs, scarcely larger than peas, are from 6 to 12, 

 dusky yellowish white, with very minute points or red- 

 dish spots, scarcely distinguishable except on narrow in- 

 spection. Like the Titmouse, for some time, the whole 

 busy family hunt in company, and appear very lively, 

 active, and amusing. 



