13-i THE BIRDS OF NORTHAMPTONSHIRE 



of the CliifFchaff is hardly to be distinguished from 

 that of the Willow-AVren, but is, I think, more often 

 placed at some height from the ground than is the 

 case with those of that bird ; the eggs I have already 

 described. The present species has been several 

 times met with during the winter months in various 

 parts of our southern counties, and is abundant at 

 that season in many of the countries which border 

 the Mediterranean. 



54. GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN. 



Regains crlslatus. 



This pretty little bird, which is mentioned by 

 Morton as no less rare than beautiful, is exceedingly 

 common in the immediate neighbourhood of Lilford, 

 as also in many other parts of Northamptonshire. 

 In all its habits the Goldcrest much resembles the 

 Titmice, particularly in that of travelling in com- 

 panies from tree to tree, and often hanging with its 

 back downwards in its close search after insects 

 amongst the twigs and leaves of the evergreen trees 

 Avhich are its favourite haunts ; it differs, however, 

 from any of the family just mentioned in having a 

 pleasing though feeble song. Though this bird is a 

 permanent resident with us, and from its habits is 

 much more easily observed in winter than at any 

 other season, it appears that great numbers often 

 arrive from abroad on our eastern coasts in October 

 and November ; this fact has been noticed by many 

 authors, e. g. Selby, Blyth, Gray, and others ; and 

 Mr. J. Cordeaux is quoted by the editor of the 

 fourth edition of Yarrell's ' British Birds ' as stating, 



