58 OUR FAVOURITE SONG BIRDS 



voice is exceptionally sweet and clear, but the song 

 is so softly poured forth that it generally escapes 

 notice altogether. It is of about the same duration 

 as that of the Willow Warbler, but cannot be heard 

 at a quarter the distance. Neither is the bird a 

 very persistent chorister. The song is perhaps 

 heard most frequently in spring, but after ceasing 

 in the moulting season it is often regained in 

 autumn in all its simple beauty. It is in fact a song 

 that must be searched for ; it is in nowise obtru- 

 sive ; but the reader may rest assured that when he 

 does succeed in fairly hearing it he will not be 

 disappointed. 



The Goldcrest breeds amongst the evergreen 

 trees it loves so much to frequent. Its nesting 

 season is in April and May. It is probable that this 

 bird pairs for life, although a new nest appears to 

 be made each season, but the same little cluster of 

 trees will be resorted to for years in succession. It 

 is also worthy of remark that even a small plantation 

 will often accommodate several pairs of birds. The 

 nest is usually slung or suspended hammock-wise 

 under the extremity of a drooping fir or yew branch. 

 It is said sometimes to be placed tipon the branch, 

 but this must be a very exceptional circumstance. 

 It is nearly globular in form, and is a charming 

 example of avine architecture, being composed 

 externally of moss, spiders' webs, hairs, and a few 

 bits of lichen, well felted together, and warmly lined 



