76 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 



nesting, and distribution during the breeding-season of the Ruby-crowned 

 Kinglet. It is found, at varying periods, in all parts of North America, 

 from jNIexico to the shores of the Arctic seas, and from the Atlantic to the 

 Pacific ; and, although its breeding-places are not known, its occurrence in 

 the more northern latitudes, from Maine to the extreme portions of the conti- 

 nent, during the season of reproduction, indicate pretty certainly its extended 

 distribution throughout all the forests from the 44th parallel northward. 

 None of our American ornithologists are known to have met with either its 

 eggs or its nest, but we may reasonably infer that its nest is jDensile, like 

 that of its European kindred, and from being suspended from the higher 

 branches, from its peculiar structure and position has thus far escaped 

 observation. 



In the New England States they are most abundant in the months of 

 October and April. A few probably remain in the thick evergreen woods 

 throughout the winter, and in the northern parts of Maine they are occasion- 

 ally found in the summer, and, without doubt, breed there. In the damp 

 swampy woods of the islands in the Bay of Fundy, the writer heard their 

 remarkable song resounding in all directions throughout the month of June. 



The song of this bird is by far the most remarkable of its specific pecu- 

 liarities. Its notes are clear, resonant, and high, and constitute a prolonged 

 series, varying from the lowest tones to the highest, terminating with, the 

 latter. It may be heard at quite a distance, and in some respects bears 

 more resemblance to the song of the English Skylark than to that of the 

 Canary, to which Mr. Audubon compares it. 



Their food appears to be chiefly the smaller insects, in pursuit of which 

 they are very active, and at times appear to be so absorbed in their avocation 

 as to be unmindful of the near presence of the sportsman or collector, and 

 unwarned by the sound of the deadly gun. They are also said by Wilson 

 to feed upon the stamens of the blossoms of the maj)le, the apple, peach, and 

 other trees. Like the other species, they are expert insect-takers, catching 

 them readily on the wing. They are chiefly to be met with in the spring 

 among the tree-tops, where the insects they prefer abound among the 

 expanding buds. In the fall of the year, on their return, they are more 

 commonly met with among lower branches, and among bushes near the 

 ground. 



Although presumed to be chiefly resident, during the summer months, 

 of high northern regions, Wilson met with specimens in Pennsylvania 

 during the breeding-season ; and it is quite probable that they may occur, 

 here and there, among the high valleys in the midst of mountain ranges, 

 in different parts of the country. 



In the winter it is most abundant in the Gulf States, and especially in 

 that of Louisiana. Dr. Woodhouse found it quite abundant throughout 

 Texas, New Mexico, and the Indian Territory. Dr. Cooper found it in 

 Washington Territory, but did not there meet with it in summer. Dr. 



