56 OUR FAVOURITE SONG BIRDS 



these limits this bird has a very extensive range, 

 being found, subject to certain shght modifications, 

 from Europe to Japan. The typical form is found 

 throughout Europe in all suitable localities, from 

 the Arctic Circle southwards. The Asiatic birds 

 present some slight differences, but scarcely of a 

 specific value. There is no reliable evidence to 

 show that this species has ever occurred in Africa, 

 although it is said to pass Malta on migration. 



The Goldcrest is most frequently found in shrub- 

 beries, plantations, gardens, and parks where larch, 

 fir, and yew trees are plentiful. It may of course 

 often be observed amongst deciduous vegetation, 

 in woods, hedges, coppices and the like, but trees 

 of an evergreen character are always its delight. 

 There is much in the habits of this engaging little 

 species — the smallest British bird — to remind us of 

 the ways of Tits and Willow Warblers. Indeed the 

 Goldcrest is very fond of consorting with the first- 

 named birds, especially with Coal Tits, and during 

 the autumn and winter months. We remark the 

 same method of searching for food as in the Willow 

 Warbler, the restless hopping and flitting here and 

 there, the darting into the air in chase of passing 

 insects, the pause every now and then for the 

 utterance of song. Although neither shy nor skulk- 

 ing it goes so quietly about its avocations as to be 

 often overlooked. Very often the first sign of its 

 presence is the wonderfully high-pitched call-note 



