298 
Spe. 42. 
Sp. 43. 
Mr. Jenyns on the Ornithology of Cambridgeshire. 
diffused in tolerable plenty over most other parts of the county, 
yet, in the neighbourhood of Bottisham, it is of very uncertain 
appearance, as in some seasons not a single individual is seen 
there, whilst in others they are abundant. It is a restless and 
an active bird, and is much attached to spruce firs and other 
tall trees, from the tops of which it issues its incessant but mono- 
tonous song, consisting only of two loud piercing notes, which it 
continues throughout the summer and even till late in September. 
By this and by its early arrival, it may readily be distinguished 
from the following species, but as far as respects plumage, the two 
are so extremely similar, that it is difficult to discriminate between 
dead specimens. Most authors represent this as being of less size 
and of a paler colour in its under parts, but I am of opinion, that 
little reliance can be placed on these marks, as from an examina- 
tion of a great many specimens of each, I have found them very 
variable. The only constant character that I have observed, resides 
in the colour of the legs, which in this are dusky, whereas in the 
following they are pale brown. 
S. Trochilus, Temm. Man. @Ornith. p. 224. 
Wittow Wren.—This is a great deal more plentiful than the 
preceding, and not so much confined to large trees and woods, 
being a general inhabitant of hedges, underwood, and a variety 
of other situations. It appears about the same time as the Red- 
start, and, as is the case with many of this tribe, the males 
invariably precede the females, by an interval of several days. 
Its song consists of seven or eight notes which are modulated in 
a soft and particularly pleasing, though somewhat plaintive, manner. 
This is continued without intermission during the breeding season, 
but generally ceases by the beginning of July. 
Genus X. REGULUS. Cuwv. 
R. aurocapillus, Selby. 
Sylvia Regulus, Temm. Man. d@’Ornith. p. 229. 
GOLDEN-CROWNED WreEN.—These birds from their diminutive 
size and solitary habits are not often noticed, and may be easily 
