178 



1877). On its return in autumn, it is with us from September 22nd 

 (1874) to November 2nd (1874). 



In the spring, the Ruby-crowned Kinglet is one of our earliest sing- 

 ing migrants. It is found in great numbers in the evergreen groves, 

 and in bushy places besides the lakes and streams. Its song is one 

 of the sweetest, and much louder than would be supposed, coming 

 from such a little bird. 



Dimensions. — Average measurements of eleven specimens : length, 

 4-41; stretch, 7'01; wing, 2*24; tail, 1-73; culmen, -29; tarsus, -67. 



10. Regulus satrapa, Licht. Golden-crested Kinglet. An 

 abundant winter resident. Is present here from the first of October 

 (October 3, 1876; September 28, 1878) till May (May 4, 1875; 7, 1877). 



The Golden-crested Kinglet has a feeble, but quite pretty song, in 

 the spring, and in winter it makes a jingling noise, as it rustles about 

 among the evergreens, in company with the Chickadees (Paras atri- 

 capilhis), Nuthatches (£. S. canadensis and carolinensis) , and Brown 

 Creepers (Certhia familiaris) ; it also has a note resembling the com- 

 mon one of the Brown Creeper. 



In the fall this delicate species and the preceding are associated 

 together. They then are seen in great numbers, frequenting the 

 edges of ponds and streams, running about over the mud and weeds, 

 in search of food. They throng the river flats, at low tide, searching 

 amongst the sea-weeds for minute molluscous animals, upon which 

 they feed with great avidity. I can recall no prettier sight, at the 

 present moment, than that presented by these great flocks of ruby, 

 and golden-crested little birds, as they hop about upon the seaweed, 

 by the riverside, in the month of October. A Kinglet that I wounded 

 in the woods and brought home, was very tame ; it was perfectly gentle 

 from the first, showed no signs of fear, and ate bread, soaked in milk, 

 almost immediately. On being allowed the range of the room, it at 

 once commenced the destruction of the insects that infested our 

 house plants. 



Dimensions. — Average measurements of fourteen specimens : length, 

 4-07; stretch, 6-75; wing, 2-14; tail, 1-75. 



Family, PARIDJE. 



11. Parus atricapillus, Linne. Black-capped Chickadee. A 

 common, resident species ; breeds. They are gregarious, affecting all 

 kinds of woods, but, in winter, are generally found in the evergreens. 

 Large flocks are seen rustling among the reeds of the salt marshes, 

 in spring. I have sometimes seen straggling flocks of Chickadees 

 flying across an open space in the forest, uttering their rare cry of 

 phebe high in the air as they passed overhead. This curiously whis- 

 tled note sometimes breaks the winter stillness of the woods ; and 

 its authorship has been a puzzle to many persons. 



