GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN. 



[Sylvia nisidora — Barred Warbler.] 

 Cambridge, 1879. 



[Genus — Melizophilus.] 



[Melizophilus undatus— -Dartford Warbler.] 



Furze districts of South England. 



Genus— REGULUS. 



REGULUS CRISTATUS— Golden-crested Wren. 



'' The Golden-crested Wren has a loving, gentle song, that 

 we should suppose no mate could resist. Soft and sibilous, yet 

 clear and expressive, such as the ear of love delights in." 



Evans — Sofigs of the Birds. 



This, the smallest of all British birds, is common throughout 

 the county. Its numbers were very greatly diminished by the severe 

 winters of 1879-80 and 1880-1, but they are beginning to increase 

 again since that time, and were happily very abundant in 1884. 

 " Its numbers throughout England during the winter season," says 

 the Rev. Clement Ley, " depend on the prevalence of north-east 

 winds, at the time of its partial autumn migration from Scandinavia, 

 being less abundant when the south-west winds are persistent at 

 this time. During the prevalence of a north-east gale, some of the 

 light-houses in the German Ocean are perfectly battered by these 

 tiny birds." This little bird is a great favourite with all who 

 recognise its soft, gentle note, and its elegant motion. It is very fond 

 of fir plantations, and its voice, "like the sound of a small silver bell," 

 may be heard from the top of some tall fir, and the bird, all life and 

 activity, may soon be seen hanging from spray after spray, searching 

 the crevices for its insect food. It builds its nest there too : — 



Our nest hangs high on yon tall tree, 



With tiny cords suspended ; 

 And few its narrow door can see, 



By clustering leaves defended. 



Evans— 5'on5's of the Birds. 



