V 



32 THE BIRDS OF DORSET. 



CHIFFCHAFF. Phylloscopus eolhjhita, (Vieillot). 



Tarrell, i. p. 437; Dresser, ii. p. 485; Pliyllopneuste rufa, 

 Harting, p. 18; Phylloscopus rufus, Seebo7i7n, i. p. 435; 

 Ibis List, p. 16. 



The Chiffcliaff is another very early visitor in 

 spring. Its well-known double note is usually heard 

 for the first time about the middle of March. Its 

 dark legs may serve to distinguish it from the 

 two preceding species, whose legs are pale brownish 

 flesh-colour. 



GOLD-CREST. Regulus cristatus, Koch. 



Yarrell, i. p. 449 ; Harting, p. 19 ; Dresser, ii. p. 453 ; SeehoJwi, 

 i. p. 453 ; Ibis List, p. 14. 



A common resident, breeding regularly with us. 

 An interesting note by Mr. S. J. Salter on the 

 f^ occurrence of large flocks of this little bird in Dor- 



^ t^ setshire in winter will be found in the Zoologist for ^ 



T 



1848, p. .0.0 ^4^^ ^/''""Wj^hM^^^ 



FIRE-CREST. Regulus ignicapillus, (C. L. Brehnl). 



An occasional .visitant. The first British speci- 

 men brought to the notice of naturalists was killed 

 by a cat near Cambridge in August 1832. Many 

 have since been met with. One was shot at Park- 

 stone, another at Cerne, and Mr. E. Har|: reports that 

 four were shot near Christchurch during the winter 

 of 1884. 



