Birds of Britain 

 THE GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN 



Regulus cristatus, K. L. Koch 



The Goldcrest is the smallest of all our birds, and 

 though not often seen it is extremely abundant wherever 

 a fir or cone-fir plantation is to be found. Here it spends 

 its life hopping about restlessly in search of the small flies 

 and insects on which it exists. It has hardly any song, and 

 the call-note is a very feeble high-pitched squeak, which 

 often may be heard when the bird itself is invisible. The 

 nest is, perhaps, the neatest and most beautiful structure of 

 any to be seen in our islands, the Long-tailed Tit's not ex- 

 cepted ; it is deep and cup-shaped, the outside being as well 

 finished as the interior. The bough of a non-deciduous tree 

 is almost invariably chosen, and from the end of the bough 

 the nest is suspended, being firmly secured to the small lateral 

 twigs. It is composed of moss, leaves, and fir needles woven 

 with the aid of wool and cobwebs into a compact felted 

 mass, the interior being lined with wool and a profusion of 

 feathers. Six to ten eggs form the clutch ; they are creamy 

 white, minutely and profusely dotted with reddish brown. 



In autumn this species wanders about in small parties, 

 while large numbers frequently arrive on our eastern shores 

 from the Continent in October. 



General colour above yellowish olive green. Forehead 

 whitish, bordered on either side by a blackish streak. Crown 

 of the head and crest bright lemon yellow, becoming deep 

 reddish orange behind. Wings brown with white tips to the 



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