318 SYLVIADE. 



The term Reguliis proposed for tlie little Gold Crest 

 by our countryman Ray, has recently been adopted by 

 several Naturalists both on the Continent and in England 

 with generic distinction, and M. Temminck, in the Third 

 Part or Supplement to the Land Birds of his Manual, though 

 not in the Manual itself, has fallen into the views of modem 

 authorities by also admitting and recording this genus, of 

 which six species are now known, three belonging to North 

 America, and three others to Europe. 



These little birds, two species of which are found in this 

 country, exhibit many of the habits of the smaller Warblers 

 already described, and also many of the actions of the various 

 species of the genus Parus, or Tits, which will be arranged here 

 immediately after them. The little Golden Crested Regulus, 

 or Kinglet, the subject of the present notice, has a soft and 

 pleasing song, somewhat like that of the common Wren. 

 Pennant says he has observed this bird suspended in the air 

 for a considerable time over a bush in flower, whilst it sang 

 very melodiously ; but as its voice is not strong, it is neces- 

 sary to be advantageously placed to hear it in perfection. 

 The call-note of this little bird is like that of the common 

 Creeper. This species is most frequently to be observed in 

 fir plantations, where these diminutive creatures, one of the 

 smallest among our indigenous birds, may be seen, all life 

 and activity, hopping from branch to branch, and clinging to 

 them in various positions, sometimes with their backs down- 

 wards, busily engaged seeking various small-winged insects, 

 or their hidden larva, as food, occasionally eating also a few 

 seeds or small berries. They remain in this country all the 

 year through ; and are even observed to be more numerous 

 in winter than in summer, many arriving here late in autumn 

 from colder northern regions. Notwithstanding their dimi- 

 nutive size, as well as delicate structure, and without any 

 apparent power of endurance, these birds brave the severitv 



